WORLD leaders in parasite research will descend on Aberystwyth next month for the annual British Society of Parasitology Conference.

Hosted by Aberystwyth University for the first time since 1986, the conference organising team is made up of senior parasitologists from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS).

Prof Karl Hoffmann is leading the team. “We are proud to be hosting this prestigious event, and look forward to welcoming colleagues and world renowned experts to present their research and discoveries in Aberystwyth,” he said.

“It is also an opportunity to showcase our expanding parasitology offering to students here in our wonderful university and town, including the new post-grad MRes in parasite control which was launched earlier this year.”

The conference, held 8-11 April, brings together over 300 parasitologists from all corners of the globe to share knowledge and discuss the latest research in a wide range of disciplines including drug discovery and resistance, immunology and vaccines, insect vector control, aquatic, ecological, veterinary, wildlife and clinical parasitology.”

The four-day conference kicks off on Sunday, 8 April, with a special event that is open to all at 8pm in the Old College on ‘Public Understanding of Science’ with Prof Peter Chiodini.

Prof Chiodini is a familiar face on TV talking about parasites that people can contract whilst on holiday.

He was also the team-lead in curing media personality Cheryl Cole of malaria in 2010.

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