Parasitology is one of the University of Glasgow's research strengths with internationally recognised teams of experts in Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical and Life Sciences.

With this background, the British Society for Parasitology (BSP) submitted its bid to the World Federation of Parasitologists (WFP) to host the conference in Glasgow in 2006. The BSP has never hosted ICOPA before despite it being one of the oldest, largest and most active of societies affiliated to WFP.

Despite some fierce competition from Dusseldorf and Bangkok, Glasgow gained 21 of the 31 votes to secure its success. ICOPA is held every four years and is the major conference of the WFP. Last year's venue was Vancouver, Canada.

Professor Paul Hagan of the University's Biomedical and Life Sciences Department, who was involved in preparing the bid said, ' I believe the bid was successful for three reasons ﾖ firstly, the internationally recognised strength of Parasitology research in the UK and particularly in Scotland.

Secondly, the strong backing received for the bid with the likes of the Scottish Executive, SECC and British Consul in Vancouver all actively supporting us. And finally, the hard work of the core group who mounted the bid.'

The conference will cover all aspects of Parasitology ﾖ from those using parasites to do fundamental biological research on the regulation of gene expression through to those interested in improving public health policies for parasitic disease control.

Professor David Rollinson, President of the BSP spoke of Glasgow's success in securing the bid, 'Glasgow should be pleased to have succeeded in the face of such top class international competition.

ICOPA XI will bring together some of the top scientists in Parasitology to Glasgow. It will offer an excellent opportunity to showcase all that is good about parasitology in the UK, Scotland and Glasgow'

Professor Hagan added, 'The conference is expected to attract several thousands of delegates as well as their families so will also be a great chance for Glasgow to exhibit its well known reputation for hospitality and friendliness.'

The BSP Council will meet in Glasgow on the 9th October to push ahead with the huge task of organising the Congress.

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First published: 8 October 2002