Dr. William Birkin was a virologist who worked for Umbrella Pharmaceuticals in the 1970s-1990s. One of the leading scientists behind the t-Virus and discoverer of the Golgotha Virus of which he was head of the research project, he turned against the Umbrella Corporation after failing to achieve a promotion to its executive. The company's attempts to prevent an unauthorised deal with the U.S. military served as a catalyst for the events of the Raccoon City Destruction Incident. He was the husband of Annette Birkin and father of Sherry Birkin.