Welcome to the Parasitology Unit at the Centre for Infectious Diseases
Parasitology is a science at the heart of clinical medicine, epidemiology, immunology, molecular biology and biochemistry.
It deals with some of the most important infectious diseases of mankind.
Parasitology has the potential to help us understand questions regarding the complexity of life and the interactions between different species.
Parasitology may provide the tools to alleviate the suffering of millions of people stricken by parasites.
Prof. Michael Lanzer, Ph. D.
Current Highlights (for further info see our News section)
World Mosquito Day
(20 August)
World Mosquito Day commemorates a discovery made by the British doctor Sir Ronald Ross in 1897, who discovered that female mosquitoes can transmit malaria between humans. Shortly after his discovery, Ross himself determined that 20 August should be celebrated as World Mosquito Day in future. Each year, it presents us with an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers posed by mosquito-borne diseases and the ongoing efforts to combat the world’s deadliest creature.
Watch out: Victoria Ingham's research group will be present with an information stand in Heidelberg's pedestrian zone (Anatomiegarten, near house number 53) on Saturday, August 23, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Anyone who would like to learn more about malaria is welcome to stop by our booth. You can expect exciting insights, such as viewing real blood smears under a microscope, and for the little ones, there will be a craft activity and an interactive quiz that teaches knowledge in a playful way.
Radio interview with F. Frischknecht
(25 June 2025)
For the Swiss radio station Kontrafunk, our group leader Prof Freddy Frischknecht spoke to presenter Corinna Zigerli on the subject of ‘Parasites from a conventional medical perspective’. Although many people are affected, very few people know anything about them: Parasites. Freddy explains.
Rudolphi Medal for F. Hentzschel
(14 March 2025)
We are delighted to announce that our group leader Dr Franziska Hentzschel is the winner of this year's Karl Asmund Rudolphi Medal, awarded by the German Society of Parasitology (DGP). The medal was presented to her for her outstanding scientific achievements in the field of parasitology at the joint spring conference of the DGP, the British Society of Parasitology and the Swiss Society of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, which took place in Würzburg from 11-14 March.
Congratulations!