About the BSP

Today many researchers and students are very passionate about the fascinating world of infectious diseases, parasites, their complex lifestyles and their associated impact on people and their livelihoods.

To draw attention to the unique importance of parasitology as a distinct discipline within biology, The British Society for Parasitology was formed in 1962 from the Parasitological Section of the Institute of Biology. Today the Society is the central networking and meeting point for many professional and amateur parasitologists throughout the UK and across the world.

The remit of the Society is broad. It promotes and supports the academic study of parasitology in all its many guises. This can be from experimental to theoretical approaches as applied to infection biology and disease research or from ecological to medical & veterinary studies in global health and international aid. Each year students are given financial support to attend BSP meetings and scholarship schemes are in place to support fieldwork and training events.

The Membership of the BSP is still growing and now stands well over 1500 in number. Approximately a third of members are from overseas locations. Highlights of the annual BSP calendar include the annual residential meetings in spring and autumn which are focused upon general and specialist aspects of parasitology. Written academic outputs include special issues or supplements in a variety of scientific journals and books.

The BSP Society is a charitable company  and managed by the BSP Council. This comprises of a President, Honorary Officers and ordinary Council Members, who together act as Company Trustees. Co-opted members of Council also include representation from the student membership and other learned societies where clear synergies are apparent.

Membership

Joining the BSP gives parasitologists a number of important benefits:

*    Discounted registration fees at all BSP events

*    Networking and support from other parasitologists

*    Eligibility for travel grants and other awards

*    Regular e-communications with access to the 'members- area' website

*    Discounts on personal subscriptions to specific scientific journals and books