The Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology (WCMP) was recognised last month for its public engagement work, writes Dr Vickie Curtis, Public Engagement Manager.

The WCMP received two awards presented by the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ISNTD) at a meeting in London.

A series of comics produced on neglected tropical diseases such as malaria and sleeping sickness received the Print Media award. The comics were created by artist Edward Ross and former WCMP student Jamie Hall, and are a cornerstone of the WCMP's public engagement programme. WCMP researchers play a key role in developing the content, and they are based on research currently undertaken. Two more comics are in the pipeline including one on Toxoplasmosis. Dr Hector Diaz Albiter from Professor Mike Barrett's group, won an award for Best Photograph with his beautifully detailed image of a sandfly, the vector for Leishmaniasis.

The ISNTD meeting was a showcase of engagement and communication efforts undertaken by academic institutions, NGO's, pharmaceutical companies and software developers. In addition to printed material and photographs, mobile apps, films, audio and public awareness campaigns were exhibited.

Links

WCMP Comics

WCMP Public Engagement

Images from the WCMP's public engagement initiatives and their award winners Dr Hector Diaz Albiter and Dr Vickie Curtis.

First published: 6 March 2017

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