Events

BSP annual meetings

The key events in the annual BSP calendar include the annual residential meetings in spring and autumn which are focused upon general and specialist aspects of parasitology.

The video on the right gives a flavour of our events, which are attended by a wide range of academics, researchers and students.

09/09/2025

BSP Spring Meeting, April 7-9, 2026. Glasgow, UK

The British Society for Parasitology (BSP) Spring Meeting 2026, will be held at the University of Glasgow from April 7–9, 2026. On top of exciting science and networking opportunities during the conference, Glasgow city will host a drinks reception for our delegates in the City chambers (on April 7th), and BSP will host a traditional Ceilidh at the meeting closure in Glasgow University Hunter Halls. 

Scotland has a long and impactful legacy of parasitology research, with Glasgow being a leading hub, home to a vibrant and active community of researchers dedicated to understanding and helping combat parasitic diseases worldwide. Our 2026 Spring Meeting will continue BSP’s tradition of discussing the latest and up-and-coming topics, encompassing a broad and comprehensive range of parasite systems, of methods and of research strategies, from molecules to organisms, and from discovery to impact. Accordingly, scientific sessions are dedicated to the following topics: Parasite genomes and genetics; Gene expression and epigenetics; Parasite cell biology; Metabolism; Novel tools and techniques; Host-parasite interactions; Vector biology and vector-parasite interactions; Veterinary Parasitology; Immunology and vaccinology; Drugs and drug resistance; Parasite costs and health impacts; Climate change and ecology; Diagnostics and epidemiology; Applied and Interdisciplinary Parasitology. BSP Spring 2026 will also host several workshops including about Education in Parasitology and a Common Antimicrobials for Fungal and Parasitic Diseases (held in collaboration with Mycology Society). 

 Glasgow, as a microcosmos of the parasitology field, has strong international partnerships in parasitology research across the globe, including endemic regions in South America, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Our ambition is to unite researchers from around the globe to share knowledge and best practice, creating or enhancing networks for future collaborative efforts. We are thus committed to enhance global participation and are making efforts to have remote access and, where possible, support for LMIC participants who wish to attend in person, however the latter will likely be limited.

Tentative list of sessions:

Drugs and drug resistance (Session 1) 
Parasite genomes and genetics (Session 2)
Immunology and vaccinology (Session 3)
Novel tools and techniques (Session 4)
Veterinary Parasitology (Session 5)
Metabolism (Session 6)
Vector biology and vector-parasite interactions (Session 7)
Parasite Cell Biology I: Cell and Structural Biology (Session 8)
Parasite costs and health impacts (Session 9)
Gene expression and epigenetics (Session 10)
Parasite Cell Biology II: Life cycles and transitions (Session 11)
Climate change and ecology (Session 12)
Host-parasite interactions (Session 13)
Diagnostics and epidemiology (Session 14)
Applied and Interdisciplinary Parasitology (Session 15) 

Register and submit your abstract here below. Registration and abstract submission deadline is February 28th.  

We look forward to welcoming the global parasitology community to Glasgow in April 2026

https://www.myeventflo.com/event.aspx?m=4&evID=2554


Pilgrimage to William Lesihman’s former home in Blairmore on Loch Long, April 10th. 

On April 10th, just after the BSP Spring meeting in Glasgow, a special day trip is planned to visit Sir William Leishman’s former home, in the village of Blairmore overlooking the beautiful Loch Long.

William Leishman was the Scottish doctor among the first who described the parasites, later named after him, when he noted them in the spleen of a soldier who had died from Dum Dum fever back in 1901.

Meeting delegates are welcome to join.  A coach will be leaving the University of Glasgow at 0900 on the morning of the 10th and likely arriving back around 1700.  The drive of around 2 hours each way will take in some spectacular Scottish countryside with glorious loch-side views. For those wishing to stretch their legs an alternative route will take a group to Gourock and take a ferry across to Dunoon, then cycle the not too arduous 9 mile route to Blairmore from there.

Although the house is now someone else’s home and sadly not a museum or other memorial kept in the great man’s honour,  we will set up camp in the Village hall and have talks on Leishman’s contributions to medical science and some local history around the village and Loch Long.

Anyone interested in joining the visit should either contact Mike Barrett (michael.barrett@glasgow.ac.uk) or sign up during the first day of meeting, so we can get numbers on who will need the bus or else a bike and catering. Although a couple of spare bikes can be available, cyclists should aim to bring their own bike or investigate bike hire in Dunoon (https://www.startlinemtb.com/dunoon-bike-hire/) or Inverclyde (near Gourock)  https://www.freedominverclyde.com/.









09/22/2025

Trypanosomiasis & Leishmaniasis Seminar, September 14-17, 2027. Antwerp, Belgium

Trypanosomiasis & Leishmaniasis Seminar, The British Society for Parasitology 

From the field to the lab for the field 

Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 September 2027 

Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium

Organizers: MA Domagalska, J Van Den Abbeele and JC Dujardin   


This seminar will focus on the latest research and innovations on the biology of African trypanosomes (both human and animal), Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania. A special emphasis will be placed on bridging basic and translational research: feeding the laboratory with pending and new questions arising from the field and bringing back innovative knowledge and tools for the field. Topics include (i) the molecular and cell biology of Trypanosoma and Leishmania species (Tri-Tryps) and their interaction with vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, (ii) genetic exchanges and evolutionary dynamics, (iii) co-infection and (iv) state-of-the art for chemotherapy, vaccines, surveillance and control. The Seminar will be held in the venues of the prestigious Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp: we expect about 150 researchers at all career levels, from the North and Global South, who will share knowledge and foster collaborations in a multi-disciplinary context.

Other events

Other organisations run events that you might find interesting: here are some up and coming online events from across the world for those with an interest in parasitology.
09/03/2025

The British Society for Parasitology Tryps Club

The British Society for Parasitology Tryps Club is pleased to share our upcoming series of events. These sessions will bring together leading experts and the wider community to exchange knowledge, highlight research, and foster collaboration in parasitology. 

🔸Upcoming Sessions

29 January 2026 – Journal Club (Community to pick) 

26 February 2026 – Career Talk (Community to pick) 

26 March 2026 – Journal Club (Community to pick) 

30 April 2026 – Career Talk with Dr. Maria Jesus Pinazo - Head of Chagas dieases DNDi 

28 May 2026 – Book Session with Dr. Lina Pinto-Garcia - Maraña: War and Disease in the Jungles of Colombia. 
A discussion about the relationship between war and disease, focusing on Colombian armed conflict and cutaneous leishmaniasishttps://www.linapinto.com/blank-1 

Further details, including registration links and participation guidelines, will be shared closer to each event. We warmly invite you to join us and be part of the conversation at the Tryps Club!
12/05/2025

Protistology Open 2026, April 19-23, 2026. Prague, Czechia.

Discover the latest breakthroughs shaping the world of microbial eukaryotes at Protistology Open 2026—a vibrant meeting uniting leading and emerging researchers across protistology, evolutionary biology, ecology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Explore cutting-edge science, spark new collaborations, and dive into the fundamental questions of protist diversity, function, and evolution.

Early-bird registration is now open:https://registration.cas.cz/PROTIST2026/ Closes February 20, 2026 — don’t miss the reduced rate!

Holtz-Conner Student Support We’ve arranged deadlines so Holtz-Conner awardees will be notified before the early-bird registration closes. However, if you already know you’ll attend, we strongly encourage you to register early—waiting may significantly increase your travel and accommodation costs. Registration will not affect your chances of being funded, and partial support is common. Application deadline: January 10, 2026

Award announcement: January 30, 2026 Apply for Holtz-Conner award

Secure your spot today and be part of a dynamic, growing community pushing the boundaries of protist research!
12/05/2025

Celebration of the contributions of Professor Mark Field on his retirement, April 27, 2026. České Budějovice, Czechia.

There will be a day of talks from Mark's colleagues below followed by a party
  • Julius Lukes, Czech Academy of Sciences 
  • Mike Rout, Rockefeller University
  • MartinZoltner, Charles  University 
  • Ludek Koreny, University of Cambridge 
  • Joel Dacks, University of Alberta
  • David Horn, Dundee University
  • Sam Obado, University of Washington 
  • Eric Schirmer, University of Edinburgh
  • Sergio Schenkman, Sao Paulo Federal University
01/20/2026

Swiss Society of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology (SSTMP) annual meeting, September 3 - 4, 2026. Neuchâtel, Switzerland

We are delighted to announce our next annual meeting, which we will organised jointly with our partner society, the Swiss Society for Tropical and Travel Medicine (SSTTM).

📅 Date: 3–4 September 2026 
📍 Location: Neuchâtel 


 Please save the date! Further details will follow soon.
12/05/2025

ApicoWplexa 2026, September 16-18, 2026. Lodi, Italy.

We are delighted to announce and warmly invite you to participate to the 8th International Meeting on Apicomplexa Parasites in Farm Animals that will take place in Lodi, Italy, in 16-18 of September 2026. Organised by the Parasitology group of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, this biennial meeting has served as a highly active and influential forum for researchers worldwide working on Apicomplexa since 2012.

As apicomplexan parasites pose a critical challenge to the global livestock sector, we are pleased to invite you to Lodi, where the beauty of the Italian countryside meets a long-standing zootechnical tradition. This region is not only at the heart of Italian livestock production but also one of the most significant zootechnical hubs in Europe.

ApicoWplexa is known for fostering intensive scientific exchanges in a friendly atmosphere and has significantly contributed to the advancement of this dynamic research field. This enriching face-to-face event will once again provide a unique forum for researchers, scientists, students, and partners from academia, industry, and government organizations to explore the fascinating challenges apicomplexan parasites rise in livestock.

ApicoWplexa 2026 will offer an exceptional opportunity for innovation and collaboration, paving the way for future advancements in understanding and managing these parasites in farm animals. We believe that your expertise and passion in this field will greatly enrich the discussions and contribute to the success of this conference. The program will feature cutting-edge research on:

• One-Health approaches to apicomplexan diseases

• Molecular and cellular biology of apicomplexan parasites

• Host-parasite interactions and immunology

• Advances in diagnosis, epidemiology, and drug development

• Strategies for vaccines and control of infections in livestock