Category: Event Listing

Helminth parasites are pervasive pathogens that infect humans, animals and plants worldwide. They impact our agricultural productivity and are a significant cause of morbidity for humans in large parts of the developing world, where they are responsible for eight of the 17 neglected tropical diseases recognized by the WHO. Over the last 10-12 years, helminth parasitology research has been transformed by the appearance of genome, transcriptome, proteome and other “omics” datasets. These in turn have spurred the creation of a suite of functional genomic tools, allowing exploration of the vast amounts of data now available. These tools include RNA interference platforms in several species, while the first applications of CRISPR-based genome editing methods have recently been reported. Meanwhile, large-scale genome sequencing and re-sequencing efforts have proceeded apace, shedding new light on our understanding of evolution on a phylum-wide scale, and on development of anthelmintic resistance mechanisms. This one-day BSP Autumn Symposium aims to highlight some of these exciting research areas, where state-of-the-art technologies are being applied to helminth genome research.

Confirmed speakers are:

On the day after our Symposium, the ISP will hold their annual meeting in Riddel Hall.  This will involve oral presentations from postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers.  Registration costs will be low - Euro 25 (academic) or Euro 15 (student) will cover ISP membership for a year, registration and tea/coffee/lunch.  Come to Belfast and stay for both meetings!