ABN 65 979 686 445 Volume 19 Issue 2 Print Post Approved PP 255003/08218 October 2008 http://www.parasite.org.au/

INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the president…..3 Fellow of the ASP…….6

Network news………...4 ASP 2008 reports……..9

Award closing dates….5 State news…………… 26

Image: Cryptosporidium meront by Hanna Borowski Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 1 COUNCIL OF THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY FOR PARASITOLOGY INC.

Executive President: Peter HOLDSWORTH Executive Secretary: Heather KOCH Treasurer: Ian MORTIMER Animal Health Alliance (Australia) Ltd Animal Health Alliance (Australia) Ltd Dept Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Locked Bag 916 Locked Bag 916 GPO Box 858 CANBERRA ACT 2601 CANBERRA ACT 2601 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Tel: (02) 6257 9022 Fax: (02) 6257 9055 Tel: (02) 6257 9022 Fax: (02) 6257 9055 Tel: (02) 6272 5226 Email: peter.holdsworth@ Email: Heather.Koch@ [email protected] animalhealthalliance.org.au animalhealthalliance.org.au

Vice-President: Shelley WALTON President-elect: Terry SPITHILL Infectious Diseases Division School of Animal and Veterinary Sci- Other Members Menzies School of Health Research ences PO Box 41096 Casuarina Charles Sturt University IJP Editor: Brendan CRABB Darwin NT 0811 Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW Tel: (08) 8922 8928 2678 Archivist: Julie-anne FRITZ Fax: (08) 8927 5187 Tel (02) 6933 2439 Fax: (02) 6933 2991 School of Biochemistry and Molecular Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Australian National University State Councillors Canberra ACT 0200 Tel: (02) 6125 2203 ACT: Adele LEHANE SA: Kate HUTSON Fax: (02) 6125 0313 School of Biochemistry and Marine Parasitology Laboratory, Email: [email protected] Molecular Biology School of Earth & Environmental Australian National University, Sciences Newsletter Editor: Michelle POWER Bldg 41, Linnaeus Way, Canberra ACT The University of Adelaide, Biological Sciences, Macquarie Uni- 2006 Adelaide, SA 5005 versity, North Ryde, NSW 2109 Tel: (02) 6125 8589 Tel: (08) 8303 5282 Tel (02) 9850 6974 Fax: (02) 6125 0313 Fax: (08) 8303 4364 Fax (02) 9850 8245 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected]

NSW: Catherine MILLER TAS: Barbara NOWAK Webmaster: Institute for the Biotechnology of Infec- School of Aquacultue Jason MULVENNA tious Diseases University of Tasmania QIMR . Herston QLD 4006 University of Technology, Sydney Launceston TAS Tel: (07) 3845 3664 PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007 Tel: (03) 6324 3814 Email: [email protected] Tel: (02) 9514 4006 Fax: (03) 6234 3804 FAX: (02) 9514 4201 Email: [email protected] Bancroft-Mackerras Medal Email: [email protected] Convenor: Andrew THOMPSON VIC: Jody ZAWADSKI School of Veterinary and Biomedical NT: Deborah HOLT Primary Industries Research Victoria Sciences International Health Division 475 Mickleham Road Murdoch University. Murdoch WA Menzies School of Tropical Health Attwood, 3049 Victoria 6150 PO Box 41096 Casuarina, DARWIN 0811 Tel (03) 9217 4380 Tel (08) 9360 7423 Tel: (08) 8922 8196 Fax: (03) 9217 4299 Fax: (08) 9310 4144 Fax: (08) 8927 5187 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] WA: Amanda ASH ARC/NHMRC Network Convenor QLD: Rebecca TRAUB School of Veterinary and Biomedical Nick SMITH School of Veterinary Science Sciences Institute for the Biotechnology of University of Queensland Murdoch University, WA 6150 Infectious Diseases St Lucia, QLD 4072 Tel (08) 9360 University of Technology, Sydney Tel: (07) 3365 3225 Fax (08) 9310 4144 PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007 Fax: (07) 3365 1255 Email: [email protected] Tel: (02) 9514 4013 Email: [email protected] FAX: (02) 9514 4201 Email: [email protected] Incorporation Secretary: Katharine TRENHOLME Biology Laboratory QIMR Herston QLD 4006 Tel: (07) 3362 0432 Fax: (07) 3362 0104

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 2 FROM THE PRESIDENTS DESK

Some 220 people attended our July I look forward to the next 12 ASP Conference in Glenelg and en- months as your ASP President. couragingly 115 members attended There are many issues on the Coun- the ASP AGM at the same venue. cil agenda for this year and I am The number of conference attendees, eager for our Council to progress I suspect, reflected the quality of the these as much as we can. On day to paper and poster presentations given, day activities I will be working in addition to the professional and with Ian Mortimer (Treasurer) and efficient running of the event. A Heather Koch (Executive Secre- hearty congratulations goes out to Ian tary) as your Executive. Similarly, Whittington and his team of volun- we will all be working with the teers in running the event. The num- ASP Council to deliver agreed ac- ber of members present at the AGM I tivities. Key activities for our con- feel reflects the continued support sideration this year, include the and ownership of the Society by ASP 2009 Conference in Sydney; members. The debate on whether to ICOPA XII; 2010 in ; retain or change the existing ASP the ASP Register of Living Parasite logo was encouraging to hear. There Cultures; Intimate Aliens; IJP Edi- Finally, I would like to extend my obviously is passion within our Soci- tor-In-Chief future vacancy; space appreciation to our previous Execu- ety. It is history now that we voted issues on the ASP website; Society tive (Shelley Walton, Lois Small and to retain the existing ASP logo. Insurance and future funding of the Deborah Holt); our State/Territory Similarly, the AGM voted in some Network. Councillors; IJP Editorial Team; Ar- constitutional changes that will result I am keen to hear member’s opin- chivist; Newsletter Editor; Webmas- in, among other things, an extension ions and concerns on issues that ter; Bancroft-Mackerras Medal Com- of the term of the ASP President face our Society. If you are pas- mittee and the Sprent Award Com- from 1 year to 2 years from July sionate about an issue(s), please mittee. Your efforts over the last 12 2009. As Terry Spithill was elected send me an email expressing your months have been significant and are unopposed as President Elect, he will thoughts. It is important for Coun- duly noted. We are grateful to you take up a 2 year term as ASP Presi- cil to remain in touch with mem- all. dent in July 2009. Welcome aboard bers’ opinions when dealing with Terry. key issues. Dr Peter Holdsworth President

ASP Online membership site http://asp.wildapricot.org

ASP secretariat Thinking Futures PO Box 2118, Hotham Hill, Victoria, Australia, 3051 Fax 03 9329 3448 Email: [email protected]

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 3 NETWORK NEWS Congratulations Congratulations also to Prof Andy Suzannah Hetherington, BAMBI, Thompson and his research team, ANU, to fund a Researcher Exchange Congratulations to Prof Michael who will receive approx. $3m from with the INSERM in Strasbourg, Good who was awarded Officer of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases France, to perform a series of experi- the Order of Australia on the 9th Initiative (DNDi) over the next ment on Caenorhabditis elegans un- June 2008 for "service to medical three years in a project to optimise der the supervision of Prof. Michel research, particularly in the fields of new drugs to treat Chagas disease Labouesse. infectious disease and (Trypanosoma cruzi). This will be Phillip Fromm, James Cook Univer- vaccine technology, through leader- in collaboration with the Murdoch- sity, to fund a four week researcher ship roles at the Queensland Institute based medicinal and synthetic visit to the laboratory of Prof Chris- of Medical Research and contribu- chemistry company Epichem. The tian Bogdan, Institute of Medical Mi- tions to education." project will start on July 1st. Andy's crobiology, Immunology and Hy- Congratulations to the winners of team has also been established as a giene, Freidrich-Alexander Univer- the ARC/NHMRC Research Net- drug screening centre for DNDi, to sity, Erlangen, Germany to learn work for Parasitology Early Ca- complement the role of the Swiss methods to measure antileishmanial reer Researcher Award for the best Tropical Institute in Basel and thus activities of macrophages to L.major. presentation: increase global capacity. In addition Prof Andrew Thompson, Murdoch Alex Maier (Walter and Eliza Hall to T. cruzi, they have established University,to fund a Researcher Ex- Institute/LaTrobe University) for his assays for African trypanosomes change for the visit of Prof Michael presentation on "The malaria parasite and Leishmania species. Grigg. holds several Dr Alan Dargantes, Murdoch Uni- keys to gain entry into human eryth- Network Researcher Exchange, versity, Melbourne to fund a Re- rocytes"; Training and Travel Awards searcher Exchange to visit Dr David Julie-Anne Fritz (Australian Na- Piedrafita at Monash University and tional University) for her poster and Congratulations to the most recent CSIRO AAHL (Geelong). poster talk on "pWormgateMulti: Network Exchange, Training and Michael Lees, UTS, to fund a Re- Tissue-speciic RNAi using Gateway Travel Award Winners: searcher Exchange to visit Prof Rima hpRNAi vectors." Catherine Covacin, Murdoch McLeod's lab at the University of University, to fund a Researcher Chicago Illinois, USA. Grant Winners Exchange to the Queensland Mu- Alex Umbers, The University of ARC Linkage Grant Winners seum to visit Matthew Shaw, Dr Melbourne, to fund a Researcher Ex- Claudio Bandi's lab at Università change laboratory of Julie Moore, Congratulations to the following Net- degli Studi di Milano, and Prof. Centre for Tropical and Emerging work on their success in the Serap Aksoy's lab at Yale Univer- Diseases, Georgia for training in the recent ARC Linkage round, winning sity. isolation of fresh placental primary a total of almost $1 million: Leann Tilley, La Trobe University, syncytiotrophoblasts. Prof. Els Meeusen (Monash Univer- Melbourne to fund a Researcher Dr Shelley Walton, Menzies School sity) for "Characterisation and devel- Exchange for the visit of Shelia of Health Research (Darwin), to fund opment of adjuvants for new genera- Akinyi from the laboratory of a three day workshop to bring to- tion veterinary and human vaccines"; Assoc Prof Mary Galinski, Emory gether national collaborators in- A/Prof P Batterham (The Univer- University, Atlanta, USA. volved in a coordinated program of sity of Melbourne) and Hatchtech Pty Magda Ellis, QIMR, Brisbane, to scabies research. Ltd for "Identification of the targets fund a Researcher Exchange to Ming Kalanon, The University of of a novel metalloproteinase inhibitor Yueyang and Nanchang to conduct Melbourne, to attend the Biology of used for the treatment of human research on immunological and ge- Parasitism Course at the Marine Biol- head lice"; netic aspects of schistosomiasis in ogy Laboratory in Woods Hole, A/Prof Barbara Nowak, Dr J Car- . USA. son and Prof B Koop (University of Mieke Burger, The University of Tasmania) for "Improving vaccine Queensland, to fund a Researcher performance through understanding Exchange for your visit Dr Michael host pathogen interaction in yersinio- Kent's lab at Oregon State Univer- sis." sity.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 4 ARC NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology Events

Australian Health and Medical Research conference Sponsorship

The ASP and the Network are co-sponsoring symposia at the Australian Health and Medical Research conference at the Brisbane Convention Centre, November 16 - 21 2008 http://www.ahmrcongress.org.au

The invited speakers sponsored by the ASP and the Network are: o Charles King, USA o Giovanna Raso, QIMR o Ian Riley, UQ o Scott O'Neill, UQ, o Malcolm McConville, University of Melbourne o Andreas Hofmann, Griffith University o Tina Skinner-Adams, QIMR

Other societies are also sponsoring speakers with parasitological interests, so there will be a major focus on parasites of medical importance at the congress. Registration and abstract submission is now open.

“Parasites in Focus" photography exhibition

The "Parasites in Focus" photography exhibition continues to be a big hit. These twenty-six superb photographic prints showing the amazing microscopic world of the parasite were on display from 18 August 2008 to 31 July 2008 at The Muse Gallery in Sydney, accompanied by a presentation from Dr Sheila Donnelly (UTS), "Revenge of the Bodysnatchers ". Parasites in focus has now moved to Perth, WA.

"Parasites in Focus" on display at the Perth Zoo, Sep 10 to Oct 31.

Closing Dates for Nominations for ASP Awards

Bancroft-Mackerras Award - 30th Sept 2009 (for award in 2010).

Invited Lectureships Travel Grants - December 31st 2008.

JFA Sprent Prize – Next round to be in 2010.

JD Smyth Travel Awards - December 31st 2008 and June 30th 2009

ASP Fellowships - before mid term Council meeting (Jan 9th 2009)

Information: Newsletter announcements or www.parasite.org.au

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 5 Fellows of the ASP DAVID BLAIR

David Blair's was awarded a Degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours from the University of Glasgow as well as a number of prizes for out- standing performance. He undertook his doctoral studies in Parasitology at the University of Glasgow and was awarded his PhD in 1974 for his the- sis on strigeoid trematodes.

David continued his work on digene- ans as a tutor at James Cook Univer- sity from 1975-1979, and from 1979-1980 as a Research Fellow in the Department -sionally in the international arena. - Publication of reports commis- of Parasitology at the University of David's scholarly eminence is sioned by international organizations; Queensland, conducting research on evidenced by: - Demonstrated success in leading the taxonomy and life cycles of para- His international recognition in- and supporting research and con- sites of digeneans. Between 1981 and Parasitology and Zoology; ducting independent research; 1988, David worked as a Lecturer - Having achieved, demonstrated - Demonstrated ability to attract then Senior Lecturer in the Depart- and maintained a profound under- funds for research in various areas ment of Zoology at Christchurch standing of Parasitology and Zool- from a range of different external, University and in 1989, David com- ogy, having extended his knowl- peer-adjudicated granting bodies; menced a Senior Lectureship in the edge and communicated the results - Has received multiple awards or Department of Zoology at the James of his scholarly endeavour in the fellowships, both national and inter- Cook University in Townsville and discipline to undergraduates, post- national; was subsequently promoted to Asso- graduates, peers and other members - Demonstrated ability to attract ciate Professor. As a consequence of of the scientific and non-scientific funds for research of academic sig- his outstanding contributions in re- communities; nificance; search, teaching and administration, - Demonstrated leadership and/or - Demonstrated record of achieve- David was promoted to Professor in management qualities at different ment in the transfer and application 2007. David has been an exception- levels (group, departmental, faculty the of results, both in the profession ally dedicated teacher and mentor, and university). and the broader community; contributing to courses in Parasitol- - Publication of the results of origi- ogy, Genetics, Ecology, and Evolu- nal research and other scholarly In conclusion, Professor David Blair tionary Biology at James Cook Uni- endeavour in a wide range of refe- has made sustained and outstanding versity and other universities in Aus- reed scientific journals of high in- contributions to both teaching and tralia and around the world, at the ternational standing in the Life Sci- research in Parasitology, and has undergraduate, postgraduate and ences, in books, and in peer- demonstrated exceptional academic postdoctoral levels. For many years reviewed, published proceedings leadership, ability to foster academic he has played an enormous role through publishing houses of high development and achievement in oth- through mentoring and supporting international repute; ers, as well as identifying and provid- colleagues in Australia and overseas, - Multiple invited lectures at key ing new opportunities in teaching, particularly Asia, supporting visiting national and international confer- research and services to the discipline scientists and professors, and con- ences; of Parasitology. Overall, David has tinually fostering the next generation - A demonstrated record of editorial contributed enormously to the Soci- of Parasitologists, Molecular Parasi- activity (for key international scien- ety and the discipline of Parasitology, tologists, and Zoologists. tific journals) in the dissemination and is therefore worthy of election as David Blair is an extremely gifted of knowledge; Fellow of the Australian Society for and teacher, who is highly Parasitology. respected both personally and profes-

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 6

NICK SMITH

Nick Smith received a BSc (Honours) in Zoology from the Aus- tralian National University in 1985 and a PhD in Parasitology from the same University in 1988. He was a National Research Fellow at the ANU from 1988-1990, before be- coming Head of the Coccidiosis Re- search Laboratory at the Institute for Parasitology, University of Zurich, from 1990-1994. Nick returned to Australia in 1994 as a Queensland Institute of Medical Research Fellow before accepting an appointment as Lecturer in Immunology at the Uni- versity of Technology, Sydney (UTS), in 1996. In 1998, he was pro- moted to Senior Lecturer, made As- sociate Professor in 2002, and was awarded the title of University Reader in 2001 for his contributions to research at UTS.

Nick’s research career has focused on At UTS, Nick played a key vi- Parasitology and he has been the understanding how hosts and para- sionary and entrepreneurial role in National Convenor of the Network sites interact with each other, includ- the founding of the Institute for the since 2004. In this position, Nick ing the host/parasite relationships in Biotechnology of Infectious Dis- has led major initiatives to en- malaria and coccidiosis. His research eases (IBID). He served as Acting hance parasitological research in embraces immunity to parasites, im- Director in 2002 for the newly es- Australia and increase the profile mune evasion by parasites, the bio- tablished Institute before becoming of our discipline. Through Nick’s chemical basis for drug resistance by its first Deputy Director (from commitment and energy, annual parasites and molecular mechanisms 2002-2005). IBID has grown from scientific meetings have been re- involved in parasite stage differentia- a group of 20 researchers into a vitalised, membership has grown tion. In all these areas Nick has made vibrant, internationally recognised through linkages with other re- seminal contributions including the institute of over 50 staff and stu- searchers particularly in the field role of free radicals and antioxidant dents and Nick has played a key of malaria, and international col- enzymes, the molecular basis for oo- role stimulating and managing that laborations continue to grow. Of cyst wall formation in Eimeria, and growth and in the strategic planning particular significance and impor- the development of a novel coccidio- that will see IBID grow to over 100 tance, have been Nick’s efforts to sis vaccine for poultry based on the staff and students over the next few improve career opportunities for principle of maternal immunisation. years. young researchers in the field of Nick’s research has resulted in over parasitology. Nick has been a strong supporter of 50 publications in peer reviewed in- the Australian Society for Parasitol- ternational journals, and has been In view of his contribution to Para- ogy since he became a member in characterised by the development of sitology and service to ther Soci- 1985. Notably, in 2003 and 2004, an excellent network of national and ety, Nick Smith is an extremely Nick led and coordinated a success- international collaborators. worthy recipient of the title, Fel- ful bid to establish the ARC/ low of the Australian Society for Nick has supervised over 25 re- NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology. search students in the last ten years, as well as 10 postdoctoral fellows.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 7 Conference corner 5th International Congress of Nematology (5ICN) 13 – 18 July, Brisbane “Nematodes Down Under”

The first International Congress of Nematology kicked off in 1984 in Geulph, Canada. Since this time, the Congress continues to grow with over 300 delegates from 36 countries gathering in Brisbane for the fifth Congress. Mike Hodda from CSIRO Entomology and President of the Australasian Association of Nematologists and Conference Organising Committee, opened the conference with an overview of nematology: “a Jigsaw, a Tapestry or a Strange Attractor?”.

While this was the first time I attended a Congress, I found it both interesting and stimulating. One of the unifying themes of the Congress was the effect of global warming and plant parasitic burden on food production. In addition, the Congress covered a broad range of research areas from the identification of nematode species and their effects on plants, animals and people, through to the use of nematodes as biopesticides.

One of the highlights of the Congress were the Mid-Congress Tours. I attended one to a wheat growing area in The Darling Downs region. The attendees learnt about sustainable cropping systems used to control plant parasite burden and the growing of tolerant cereal varieties. Another highlight was driving through the small Queensland town of Kingsthorpe. Here, the children at the local primary school had been aware of our visit, making a banner stating, “Nematologists count too!”.

Julie-Anne Fritz

WANTED

Conference coverage

Going to a conference?

Write a review and take some pictures. Send them to your State Rep or Newsletter Ed for inclusion in Conference corner

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 8 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Tuesday 8th July 2008 The Stamford Plaza Hotel, Glenelg, SA

Meeting declared open at 5.05pm. The Council has continued to these companies and all involved in support the generation of Parasite the organisation are thanked for their 1. Present and Apologies educational resources through support. S Walton, (President), Deborah Holt A number of accomplished Parasi- (Treasurer), Lois Small (Executive ongoing funding for Peter tologists will again be recognised this Secretary): ~ 113 members present O’Donoghue’s PARA-SITE pro- ject and the ASP commissioned year by ASP for their outstanding Apologies: book History of Parasitology ed- achievements in parasitology re- Dave Spratt ited by Ian Beveridge and Peter search and education. Congratula- O’Donoghue. tions were offered to the winners of 2. Acceptance of Minutes from 2007 The ARC/NHMRC Network for the Bancroft Mackerras Medal, The AGM Parasitology has been a highly Sprent Prize, and the newly elected Moved: David Piedrafita, Seconded successful venture and has greatly ASP Fellows. The relevant ASP Brendan Crabb . Carried. raised the profile of Parasitology committee members were thanked in Australia both nationally and for their efforts in the difficult job of 3. Business Arising from 2007 AGM internationally. The Network Re- selecting winners for these awards. Business items will be addressed under searcher Exchange, Training and The president said it had been a business Travel Awards have benefited a privilege to manage the business of significant number of individuals the Society over the latter year and to and research groups, and the Net- work with so many distinguished 4. Reports work’s proactive contribution to Parasitologists. She thanked Deborah 4.1 President’s Report. the joint ASP/Network Annual Holt and Lois Small, for their support An oral report was provided to the Scientific Meetings is recognized. as members of the ASP Executive membership by Shelley Walton. However with recent changes to Committee and also acknowledged both the elected government of members of Council for their contin- New changes implemented during Australia and the Australian Re- ual input and involvement. 2008 included contracting and search Council the long term fu- Motion to accept President’s report: handover to a new Secretariat. The ture of the Network is currently Moved Lois Small; Seconded Deb- Secretariat handover was relatively unknown. It is important that the orah Holt. Carried. smooth and membership renewals 4. 2 Treasurer’s Report. ASP continues to support the Net- and new registrations will shortly An oral report was provided to the work and help lobby for contin- go online. membership by Deborah Holt. ued federal funding to promote At the previous AGM, the require- • iPAC investment account dropped Australia as a centre for parasitic ment for a new logo was presented. 27% in market value ($160,000) al- research, and to nurture and en- Logo designs were obtained and a though this was offset by 18% in divi- hance scientific interaction and dend payments ($105,000). We can general Society vote conducted. collaboration in Parasitology. expect that the market value of this in- The result was an impasse and a vestment will continue to fall in the final vote from ASP members on With approximately 220 regis- short term. this matter will be undertaken in trants and 155 submissions, the • two years worth of IJP royalties were this meeting. Proposals to change paid in this financial year, so income and Network and local organising the term of the President and Exec profit are artificially high committee, under the direction of from one to two years, and to • Sprent term deposit is making a good Ian Whittington, have done an achieve further consistency, return and the interest alone should con- exceptional job overseeing the changes to the terms of some of the tinue to generate the income for this program and activities for the elected and appointed members of prize (without accessing the capital) ASP & ARC/NHMRC Research Taking into consideration the status of council will be enacted through Network for Parasitology Annual the main operating account bank bal- changes to the constitution voted Conference. Nick Smith, Conve- ance, the $30,000 committed for the on at this meeting. nor of the Network, has once publishing of the History of Parasitol- again obtained significant spon- ogy, conference expenses, increased secretariat fees, possible further funding sorship for the conference and for ICOPA, the Council may need to be

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 9 this coming financial year. 4.6 Conference Reports: Brendan Crabb is not expecting to A) Adelaide 2008: Motion to accept Treasurer’s report: extend his 3 year contract as edi- Approximately 220 delegates at- Moved Julie Anne Fritz; Seconded tor in chief and his current term tended this year’s conference. SW Carol Behm. Carried. will finish in April 2009. thanked local organising committee for all of their hard work to organ- 4.3 IJP Editor’s Report. Brendan expressed his thanks to ise another very successful confer- An oral report was provided to the his deputy Editors, Ian ence. membership by Brendan Crabb. Beveridge, Dominique Soldati B) Sydney 2009: Organisation is in and Alex Loukas as well as all hand. Date 12-15 July 2009, with a Editorial issues There have been specialist editors. Maria Meule- similar format to 2008 conference. changes in the Editorial Board with man was commended for her Conference committee has been Dominique Soldati becoming a full passion and commitment to the formed and invited speakers con- Deputy Editor and Alex Loukas IJP. Brendan asked for feedback tacted. stepping into a Deputy Editor role. on the journal from Council. C) AHMRC Congress will be 16- The Specialist Editors continue to 19 Nov. The ASP will host 1/2 contribute strongly to the journal. Terry Spithill enquired about the symposia-including New Tech- Impact Factor and citations The ERA ranking of A* for the jour- nologies in Parasitology. Mal Jones 2007 Impact Factor has just be- nal in vet science categories. is the ASP representative on the come available and is 3.392, up Shelley Walton, on behalf of the organizing committee. 0.055 on last year and is the highest Society, expressed thanks to D) ICOPA XII 2010: Oral report on record. Goal to get to 4. Imme- Brendan Crabb for his efforts to by was presented. diacy 0.857. Discussion on ERA date as editor in chief, as well as rating. thanks to the deputy Editors. Re- Website is up A ASP Royalty Payment www.icopaxii.org placement processes for Brendan number of working groups have The royalty paid to the ASP in will be through an open and been set up (Marketing, 2008 (for 2007) was GBP transparent system. Program, Outreach, 79,152.90, but expect to be about Entertainment) and thanks to GBP 92,000 next year. Motion to accept IJP Editor’s report: the people who are in-volved. Strategic Direction Efforts are Moved Michelle Power, Seconded ASN has been appointed as being made to internationalise the Mark Sandeman. Carried. conference organisers. The overall journal, eg design of cover and aim is to raise the profile of parasi- pages. The old logo had been re- tology in Australia and community moved form the IJP cover in order 4.4 Webmaster’s Report. Webmaster was delayed and sent apologies. awareness. to update the IJP image. Any new 4.7 Network Report. logo would need to fit in with the 4.5 Newsletter Editor’s Report. An oral report of the Network’s new international look of the jour- An oral report was provided to activities was presented to the nal. There is a need to maximise the membership by Michelle AGM by Nick Smith. open access, while protecting our Power (MP). Three issues were 1 . the aims of the network are to income. Publicity is a major area printed and cost approx. $10 per foster collaboration, create oppor- that requires addressing. member to receive. The expendi- tunity and raise awareness through Thematic Paper Series We are ture for this year was $8357, publishing some thematic series which included the purchase of a and this includes a Zoonoses paper new computer. It is anticipated series and a series of papers from that the upgraded database by the • Databases, bioinformatics the COST Action 857 new secretariat will enable ad- tools and e-resources (Apicomplexan Biology in the dresses to be printed directly onto • Conferences, symposia and Post-Genomic Era) meeting in May envelopes as opposed to sticky workshops 2008. labels that need fixing. With our • Researcher exchanges, train- Office Brendan Crabb has moved new online database, members ing and mentoring – nation- to the Burnett Institute and the IJP will be able to select to receive an ally and internationally (68 Editorial Assistant functions from a electronic version. MP produced Awards made so far – 15 in home office. Brendan noted that information sheets for incoming 2005, 23 in 2006, 30 in the Editorial Assistant is crucial to executive and state reps to 2007). the success of the IJP and that suc- streamline procedures. MP thanks cession planning for this position • Public education and infor- State reps for their reports and mation events was necessary. member feedback on the issues.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 10 2. Budget

Expenditure, 2005-07 Budget, 2008-09 Salaries - $480,000 Salaries - $320,000 IT Initiative - $405,000 IT Initiative - $165,000 Conferences - $220,000 Conferences - $150,000 Research Exchanges - $325,000 Research Exchanges - $180,000 Committee Meetings - $30,000 Committee Meetings - $20,000 Outreach Activities and Office Costs - $70,000 Outreach Activities and Office Costs - $40,000

TOTAL = $1,530,000 TOTAL = $875,000

3 The Network of the Future- Citations for each Fellow “The Society shall be governed With the ending of current funding were read by the president by a Council consisting of the next year, suggestions for the fu- following officers of the Society, ture of the network were discussed. Next applications are due namely: the President , President Options raised were prior to the mid-term meeting – Elect OR Vice President, Secre- (held early 2009). tary, Executive Secretary, Treas- A) No change urer, Editor(s), Convenor of the Maintain some activities (through 5.4 Invited Lectureship Travel Bancroft-Mackerras Medal Com- the ASP) through Conference sup- Grants. mittee, Archivist (non-voting), port, Researcher Exchange, Train- 2008 Grants awarded to Prof. Newsletter Editor (non-voting), ing and Travel Scheme, Outreach David Bird, Ben Dunn, David Webmaster (non-voting) and not activities Ferguson. less than 6 other elected members B) Maintain status quo of which there shall be not more C) Expand significantly into a 5.5 D Smyth Travel Awards. than one representative from each graduate school There have been 4 applica- of the States and mainland Terri- tions for this year and the tories of the commonwealth of Don McManus asked about the role Award will be announced Australia. A state Representative of the NHMRC. The network re- shortly. Next round due 31st may not serve more than 3 con- ports to the ARC who in turn report December 2008. secutive terms. The positions of to the NHMRC. Vern Bowles President – Elect and Vice Presi- asked about a transition period be- 5.6 Student Travel Awards. dent on Council will be filled al- tween the end of current funding There were 60 travel grants ternately each consecutive year.” and future funding. The ARC is awarded, and this totalled And reviewing in Sept, and the Council $40000. To propose a change of Section 2 will be considering options. The Paragraph 2 ARTICLE IV. AD- president thanked Nick Smith for A moment of silence was had in MINISTRATION of the Consti- his efforts in the network and ex- remembrance for Peter Waller tution to read: pressed support for the network and John Hickman who sadly “The Society shall have a Presi- continuation. passed during the year. dent, President-Elect OR Vice- 5 Prizes and Awards President, Secretary, Executive 5.1 Bancroft-Mackerras Medal Other Business Secretary, Treasurer and Editor Congratulations to Kiaran Kirk (s).” who was awarded the BMM in 6.1 Constitution Changes: AD- Moved, Brendan Crabb, Sec- 2008. MINISTRATION onded Deb Holt. Carried unani- 5.2 JFA Sprent Prize mously Congratulations to Magda Ellis And Terms of executive who was awarded the JFA To propose a change of Section 2 Motion 1 Sprent Prize in 2008. Paragraph 4 and 5 ARTICLE IV. To propose a change of Section 5.3 Fellowships. ADMINISTRATION of the Con- 1 Paragraph 1 ARTICLE IV. AD- Society Fellowships were stitution to read: MINISTRATION of the Consti- awarded to David Blair and tution to read: Nick Smith.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 11 6.2 Logo A show of hands indicated that the “The President, Executive Secretary majority of members at the AGM had and Treasurer shall be elected for a A vote on changing the logo was received the notification of the vote period of two terms at every second presented to the membership during from their state rep. General Business Meeting at which the term. Although the old logo had postal and proxy votes will be ac- the majority of the votes from email Motion Do you want a new logo – cepted. A term is defined by the pe- responses to state reps, 75% of votes Yes or No. Moved: Shelley Walton; riod elapsing between the termination were for a new logo but vote was split of one General Business Meeting and seconded Deb Holt; between 2 designs. It was decided by Vote for -50: Vote against 58 the termination of the next General Council to take the issue to the mem- Business Meeting.” bership (AGM) for the final vote. The logo will remain the same. “The President-Elect shall be elected for a period of one term at the second Discussion from floor 7 Council Nominations General Business Meeting in the term of the President.” All positions were declared open . There was some discussion about this Moved, Brendan Crabb, Seconded,. issue- correction to ASP name in sec- SW handed over Presidency offi- Deb Holt. Carried unanimously . ond new logo (Lesley Warner), colour cially to Peter Holdsworth. scheme of new logo (David Jenkins), A comment about the time for problem that some members had not nominations of 2 weeks was made. Appointment of Society officers received email (Terry Spithill). Motion 2: To propose a change of Section 2 Paragraph 3 ARTICLE IV. ADMINI- Council Positions STRATION of the Constitution to Position Nomination Proposer Seconder read: Executive “The Editor(s) and Secretary shall be President elect Terry Spithill Peter Holdsworth Shelley Walton appointed by Council for a period of three (3) years and then subject to re- Treasurer: Ian Mortimer Peter Holdsworth Andy Thompson appointment for further periods of Executive Secre- Heather Koch Peter Holdsworth Andy Thompson three years with no limit to the number tary: of years of continuous service” State Reps: “All other officers of the Society shall NSW: Catherine Miller Nick Smith Deborah Holt be elected at a General Business Meet- QLD: Rebecca Traub Katharine Tren- Malcolm Jones ing at which postal and proxy votes holme will be accepted.” SA: Kate Hutson Ian Whittington Lois Small Moved Nick Smith, Seconded Deb NT: Deborah Holt Lois Small Shelley Walton Holt. Carried unanimously . ACT: Adele Lehane Carolyn Behm Deborah Holt

VIC: Jody Zawadski David Piedrafita Shelley Walton Election of some Society officers TAS: Barbara Nowak Deborah Holt Lois Small Motion 3: To propose a change of Section 2 WA: Amanda Ash Andy Thompson Caroline Jacobsen Paragraph 2 ARTICLE IV. ADMINI- Other STRATION of the Constitution to read: Archivist Julie-Anne Fritz Kate Miller Michelle Power

“The Newsletter Editor, Archivist and Incorporation Katharine Tren- Deborah Holt Lois Small Webmaster shall be elected for a pe- Secretary (QLD) holme riod of three (3) years and then subject to re-election for further periods of three years with no limit to the number Motion to accept all single nominations: Unanimous of years of continuous service.” PH as ASP president formally closed the meeting at 6.35pm. Moved Mark Sandeman, Seconded David Blair. Carried unanimously .

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 12 New Editor-in-Chief sought for the International Journal for Parasitology (IJP)

The IJP has developed to the point where it is the world’s leading parasitology research journal (Impact Factor 3.392 in 2007), a flagship of the Australian Society for Parasitology (ASP) and a major source of income to the Society ($175,109 in 2007). It is important that its position is maintained and even further improved.

The reputation of the journal is built on attracting high quality papers across a range of topic areas and rapid processing of manuscripts. The strength of the impact rests on invited reviews and thematic issues as well as submitted papers. We maintain a good relationship with our publisher Elsevier through their repre- sentatives in Europe. The journal offers web-based submission and refereeing through the Elsevier Edito- rial System.

Due to the current Editor-in-Chief (EiC) of the Journal concluding his 3 year term at the end of March 2009, applications are now sought for a new EiC for the IJP to take up the challenge of moving the Journal forward. The initial term will be for 3 years commencing April 2009 and the journal would be coordinated in the appointee’s institute within Australia. A suitable funding arrangement has been developed to facili- tate the functions of the EiC and the IJP editorial office. The EiC holds the position as “editor” on the Council of the ASP.

Position description As the EiC of the IJP you will take overall responsibility for managing the operation of the IJP, including: • Oversight of management of the IJP editorial office • Review and acceptance or rejection of each manuscript submitted to the IJP office • Promotion of the IJP to the scientific community • Recommending appointment and management of the Specialist Editor and Deputy Editor panel • Liaison with Elsevier Ltd and the ASP Council on matters concerning the IJP • Maintaining the current high standards with regards to the journal’s impact factor and income • Initiating new directions for the journal in the changing world of publishing

Selection criteria • Demonstrated excellence in ongoing and cutting edge research in a field of parasitology • Membership of the ASP • Past experience in scientific publishing will be highly regarded

Information

• On the journal is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com/ijpara • on editorial processes and running of the IJP can be obtained from the current Editor-in-Chief (Brendan Crabb) at [email protected] .

Correspondence will be strictly confidential. Expressions of interest will be considered by a small commit- tee of ASP members and candidates may be interviewed. Expressions of interest should be directed to: [email protected] by 17 November 2008.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 13

2008 End of term Council Meeting Minutes

Sunday 6 July 2008 Stamford Plaza, Glenelg 8.15am start

1. Present and Apologies. Motion: That the President’s C) Secretary/Incorporation Sec- report be accepted: Moved KT; retary report (LS/DS) Shelley Walton (SW), Peter Seconded, JZ Carried Oral report Holdsworth (PH), Mal Jones • Current membership is at (MJ),Lois Small (LS), Deborah B) Treasurer’s report (DH) Writ- 362 financial members with Holt (DH), Adele Lehane (AL), ten report provided, see at- Katherine Trenholme (KT), Cath- tachment . 126 student members, and erine Miller (CM), Kate Hutson Main points 236 ordinary members. (KH), Barbara Nowak (BN), • iPAC investment account This does not include 32 Jody Zawadzki (JZ), ,Carol Behm dropped 27% in market Fellows, 20 life members (CB), Jason Mulvenna (JM) , value ($160,000) although and 2 sustaining. There are Michelle Power (MP) Nick this was offset by 18% in 88 non financial members. Smith (NS), Brendan Crabb (BC) dividend payments • There have been 47 new Andrew Thompson (AT) ($105,000). We can expect members since 1st July 2007

that the market value of this (student 6) David Piedrafita as ICOPA chair investment will continue to representative • New secretariat getting fall in the short term. there – a few hitches (data • two years worth of IJP roy- Apologies base inaccuracies, hand- alties paid in this financial Tonia Woodberry , Danielle writing , fax #, time of re- year Smyth, Caroline Bath-Jacobsen newal), a new database with • Sprent term deposit is mak- all members being up- ing a good return and the 2. Acceptance of Minutes of graded: online by end of Previous Meetings: interest alone should con- tinue to generate the income July Mid Term Council Meeting •Updated new members con- (MTM) for this prize (without ac- Motion: That the minutes of cessing the capital) stitution copy. the meetings be accepted as • The conference account ex- • Danielle Smyth had sugges- true records: Moved MJ; Sec- ceeds GST free level and tion about business registra- onded, BN Carried. will need to register for tion GST • Need to be careful in com- Official postal address of ASP 3. Business Arising from Min- ing financial year remains at PO Box 60, Herston. utes NS Noted $60000 for Intimate MJ to give keys of box to KT. 2007 MTM Aliens display Mail is redirected each year to MP Should membership fee Action items from Business aris- the address of the new executive. ing from MT meeting Feb 2008 increase? General discussion had all been completed and where included impact of cost of new KT to check box on occasions. necessary, are covered in other secretariat. To be reviewed at reports. next Council meeting Reminder that hard copy of con- Motion: That the Treasurer’s stitution is sent to all members report be accepted: Moved AT; 4. Reports every 3 years (should be 2009 ) A) President’s report (SW) Seconded, CB. Carried with newsletter Written report provided, see attachment. Need to review Parasite Culture List.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 14 AT suggested the need to fund Discussion about requirement Motion: That the Archivist’s collection as valuable re- for hard copy vs electronic. report be accepted: Moved source and to sustain control - Action MP to ask new se- JM; Seconded, KT. Carried of collection. Next Council to cretariat to add a box to ASP form a subgroup to investi- renewal/new applications to G) Webmaster’s report (JM ) gate. (PH) PH to approach tick for option of an elec- Written report provided. current contact Rob Adlard. tronic delivery. • Over the last twelve months DH to pursue business regis- - Action MP to send new the parasite.org.au domain has tration and report to next Council members copy of in- received 1 023 084 requests and meeting formation sheets served 215 005 pages. • Pages relating to the ASP con- Motion: That the Secretary’s Motion: That the Newsletter ference and the downloading of report be accepted: Moved Editor’s report be accepted newsletters and reports are the CM; Seconded,MJ. Carried and a budget of $6600 for most common activities on both

production of the next 3 is- the arcnet and ASP homepage.

sues be approved. : Moved, • Concerns have been raised D) International Journal for CM Seconded ,KT . Carried about the reliability of Wolf Web Parasitology Editor’s report and the poor customer service and (BC) Written report provided F) Archivist’s report (CB) new hosting was investigated. by BC, see attachment Written report provided. The current website suffers from a BC noted that his 3 year term few technical flaws that makes it as editor in chief ends in mid - The JD Smyth historical films difficult to update and imposes a April 2009. on culture of Echinococcu limit on the amount of content

granulosus have been copied to that can be put on certain pages Motion: That the Editor’s re- DVD and will return to the before the design begins to break- port be accepted: Moved BN ; Archives. down. I have updated the website Seconded,CB. Carried - Scanning of past ASP abstract and put in a content management

booklets will be completed by system. E) Newsletter Editor’s report the end of the month. (MP) Written report pro- Motion: That the Webmaster vided. Does the Society wish to make change our web host to Webcity

the pdf files available on the or equivalent : Moved MJ; Sec- - Macintosh laptop, Adobe Crea- website? onded, AT . Carried tive suite and Microsoft of- Discussion for the past ASP ab- Action Proposed Changes to web- fice:mac were purchased for stract booklets to go on website. site design to go out to next $3135.50 for the newsletter edi- Action JM and CB to coordi- Council. JM to email new Coun- tor nate. cil.

Discussion about what is to be Motion: That the Webmaster’s - Old secretariat had been help- kept in the “guard” books of the report be accepted: Moved JM; ful with labels, should be im- ASP (ie meeting minutes for Seconded, KT . Carried proved with new secretariat as Council and AGM). Guard addresses can be printed directly books, as the operational re- H) BMM Convenors report (AT) onto envelopes cords of the ASP, keep paper Written report provided.

copy of minutes, president, Composition of current commit- - Three issues of the ASP News- treasurer and IJP reports, and tee was discussed as one fellow letter for this term Archivist is to keep a paper had served 5 year requirement. Total costs for three issues was copy of all other reports in PH to approach ASP fellows for $5222.12 meetings. a new nominee to committee. Action The Archivist will pre- Motion That the BMM commit- - Information reports prepared for pare a checklist to be placed in tee be convened after et meeting new executive and state reps on front of guard books. by AT, moved CM seconded LS Council

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 15 I) Network report (NS) 6 Conference Reports D) 2011 conference sugges- Written report provided. tion either Western Australia A) 2008 Adelaide Written re- or NSW (ie Wagga). AT to • 2 Newsletters for 2008, plus a port provided by Ian Whitting- approach his state members special Conference Newsletter ton. for interest. • The 2007 Annual Report was delivered to the ARC on March • There are 213 delegates and E) Other reports 31, 2008 and is available on the 155 submissions website (http:// Programme: There are 2 Plenar- a) Science meets Parliament www.parasite.org.au/arcnet/ ies (Host-Parasite Interactions; (KH)Kate Hudson and Shelley reports/index.html). Apicomplexan Organelle Biol- Walton attended. Highly rec- • Outreach Activities include ogy) and 6 symposia (Proteases; ommended as a personal and the “Parasites in Focus” Photogra- Plant Parasitic Nematodes; professional experience phy Exhibition, A portfolio book Host-Parasite Interactions; for Intimate Aliens is about to go State-of-the-Art Technologies: b) Australian Health and Medical to print, series of workshops and Proteomics; Sustainable Worm Research Congress 2008 (MJ lectures, on parasite biology and Control in Grazing Livestock; Congress to be held in November. molecular biology, for several Aquaculture) with 10 overseas To be advertised on web site Sydney schools. speakers and 12 national speak- (JM) • Network Researcher Ex- ers invited to present c) Two symposia- Disease bur- change, Training and Travel dens of parasites and New Award, January-July, 2008: 16 There are 14 contributed ses- Technologies awarded sions comprising a total of 79 • Organisation of Glenelg2008 oral presentations, of which 38 7. Awards has proceeded quite smoothly, and are student presentations. There Sydney 2009 on track will also be 54 posters on dis- With the end of Current ARC and play for the duration of the con- i) Bancroft-Mackerras Medal NHMRC Funding approaching in ference. Dr Kiaran Kirk successful nom 2009, the future of the Network Approximately 59 students ap- nation needs consideration. Expanding plied for Student Travel. Award the network is one option. will depend on distance travelled ii) ASP Fellows from Adelaide. Professor David Blair, Assoc If the network is successful in Professor Nick Smith gaining funds to continue, B) 2009 Sydney - meeting to be there may be a gap in fund- held at University of Sydney. A iii) Smyth Travel Award ing. Financial support for the report from Nick Smith indi- network to bridge this gap cated that planning was well un- Four applications to consider was discussed. There could derway and progress in program, The Network also offers awards be a number of options. Need invited speakers, catering etc. and these may be offered to same for a one page summary of students. Need to liaise between value of network and a busi- C) 2010 ICOPA XII- Organiser executive and Network ness plan. NS to prepare report (DP) ‘vision statemed) 2011 con- iv) Sprent Prize ference suggestion either Number of working groups es- Western Australia or NSW (ie tablished (Marketing, Program, Dr Magda Ellis successful nomi- Wagga). AT to approach his Outreach, Social nation. Appreciation of work of state members for interest. Target is 1500 delegates Sprent committee noted Approx $700 registration Other reports Venue new Convention Centre in Melbourne (video of facility Science meets Parliament shown) issues and responses (KH) from convenor.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 16 v) Undergraduate prizes SP undergraduate prizes in universities State University 2007/8 LS had approached people at ACT ANU (shared prize) Chaithra Upadhyaya for 2007 various universities about under- graduate prizes for parasitology VIC Uni of Melbourne Caitlin Davey (for 2007) (see update in Attachment 12). NSW Uni of Sydney (shared Clancy Crean, Stephen There were 2 requests for the ASP prize): Fleischer, Antony Ghaly and to present more prizes. Justin Quigley UNE Jeanine Goss, Robert Hart Motion NSW UTS Andrew Tze Fui Liew That ASP student undergraduate prize scheme ($400) be expanded to include 1 QLD QUT Sally Anne Mujaj (for 2007) for UQ for BVSc and 2 for Murdock for QLD James Cook Uni No prize in 2007 ANS356, VET344 . Moved LS; Sec- QLD Uni of QLD Teng Wai Ang, Hayley Tho- onded, DH. Carried mas QLD Central Queensland Melissa Van Herk 8 correspondamce University Table below WA Murdoch Uni Holly Allen and Yongjan Joel Huang.

Undergrad prizes information ANU 9 Other Business UNE A) Vet Text book UMelb Not much progress to date, but Murdock University commitment to get it done. QUT JCU Meeting of interested people to UTS be held at conference. Nick CQU Sangster to be asked to report. Uni of Sydnay B) Para Site Written Report UQ from Peter O’Donoghue The Thank you from recipient (Student prize) textual, photographic and tabular sections of the elec- ASMR tronic website have been contract for Australian Health and Medical Research Congress 2008 Request to link from our website completed and the construc- Upcoming events tion of the final multimedia interactive keys is awaiting MLA contract for conference sponsorship the final drawings. Encyclopedia of Associations: International Organizations History of Parasitology (Written Murdoch Uni re donation Report from IB/POD) More photos obtained and hope New Darwin convention Centre book could be published by the end of the year.

Meeting closed at 3.50 pm

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 17 ASP Conference Glenelg, South Australia July 2008

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 18 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 19 Australian Society for Parasitology Presidents End of Term Report – July 08 Many Thanks Motivating, enlightening, and much busier than I envisaged is how I would describe my one year as the ASP President! As it draws to a close I would foremost like to thank the ASP for the privilege of managing the business of the Society over the latter year and providing the delightful opportunity to meet and work with so many distinguished Parasitolo- gists. I would also like to thank a number of people for their hard work and dedication. Specifically Deborah Holt and Lois Small; as members of the ASP Executive Committee we have had a very close association throughout the year and due to their commitment and attention to detail the ‘behind the scenes’ financial and organisational affairs of the ASP have been extremely well managed. I would also like to acknowledge members of Council for their continual input and involvement, and for always maintaining the objectives, goodwill, and accountability of the Society as their primary re- sponsibility. I also would like to state my appreciation for the advice I have received from those ASP members with cor- porate knowledge of the Society’s business. This is always such a hard thing to grasp with a short term presidency and hopefully with the proposed constitutional changes to the terms of the executive will become less of an issue in the fu- ture. General Business New changes implemented during 2008, as directed by council and the Society, have included contracting and handover to a new Secretariat; obtaining and voting on new concepts for the ASP logo; and detailing changes to the Constitution to be voted on at the 2008 AGM. The Secretariat handover went relatively smoothly and membership renewals and new registrations will shortly go online. For those members with any outstanding membership issues please contact Maree Conway or see her at the Secretariat stand at the 2008 ASP & ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology Annual Conference. A change to the ASP logo was a fairly emotive issue and this was demonstrated in the outcome of the gen- eral Society vote – an impasse. At the 2008 AGM the requirement for a new logo will again be summarised and results of the recent Society vote detailed. A final vote from ASP members on the matter will then be undertaken. Constitution changes include a proposed change to the term of the President and Exec from one to two years, and to achieve further consistency, proposed changes to the terms of some of the elected and appointed members of council. Please read the latest ASP newsletter for details. Finally the Council has continued to support the generation of Parasite educational re- sources through ongoing funding for Peter O’Donoghue’s PARA-SITE project and the ASP commissioned book History of Parasitology edited by Ian Beveridge and Peter O’Donoghue. ARC/NHMRC Network for Parasitology I think we would all agree the Network has been a highly successful venture and has greatly raised the profile of Parasi- tology in Australia both nationally and internationally. The Network Researcher Exchange, Training and Travel Awards have benefited a significant number of individuals and research groups, and we have all recognised and appreciated the Network’s proactive contribution to the joint ASP/Network Annual Scientific Meetings. However with recent changes to both the elected government of Australia and the Australian Research Council the long term future of the Network is currently unknown. It is important therefore that the ASP continues to support the Network and help lobby for contin- ued federal funding to promote Australia as a centre for parasitic research, and to nurture and enhance scientific interac- tion and collaboration in Parasitology. ASP & ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology Annual Conference As this report is being prepared the 2008 conference in Glenelg is in the last stages of preparation. With approximately 220 registrants and 155 submissions, the Network and local organising committee, under the direction of Ian Whitting- ton, have done an exceptional job overseeing the program and activities. Nick Smith, Convenor of the Network, has once again obtained significant sponsorship for the conference and I thank those companies and all involved in the or- ganisation for their support. Please remember to place in your diaries the ‘not to be missed’ next Parasitology confer- ence to be held in Sydney in 2009, and ICOPA XII in 2010 Melbourne. Also note the 2008 Australian Health and Medi- cal Research Congress in Brisbane in November and a special thanks to Malcolm Jones for representing ASP on the Pro- gram Organising Committee. ASP Awards A number of accomplished Parasitologists will again be recognised this year by ASP for their outstanding achievements in parasitology research and education. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winners of the Bancroft Mackerras Medal, The Sprent Prize, and our newly elected ASP Fellows. Many thanks to the relevant ASP committee members involved in the enormously difficult job of selecting winners for these awards. Good luck to those involved in the student presentation and poster prizes to be awarded at the conference. The Future Welcome new 2008/09 ASP Exec and Council! I am sure under the guidance and strong leadership of Peter Holdsworth the ASP will continue to move from strength to strength and continue its role to support and encourage the investigation and advancement of knowledge of parasitology and to foster the association of persons interested in parasitology.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 20 Income and Expenditure

Totals

Income Main income Members Subscriptions - RGSQ $ 20,063.64

IJP Journal Royalty $ 386,792.77

$ 406,856.41 Interest income Interest from Working Account $ 5,435.75 Interest from Account #2 $ 1,002.47 Interest from Sprent Term Deposit $ 3,590.12 $ 10,028.34 Investment income Divendend income (iPAC invest- ment) $ 105,029.07 Change in market value $ (160,762.52) $ (55,733.45) Conference income

Conference registrations $ 53,514.55

Conference sponsorship income $ 104,542.35

Other conference income $ 11,392.50 $ 169,449.40 Total Income $ 530,600.69

Expenses General Expenses Accounting & Audit Fees $ 2,800.00

Insurance $ 1,153.77

Newsletter $ 4,929.59

Postage (excl Newsletter) $ 759.43

Withholding tax $ 454.00 Bank Fees/charges $ 649.31

Mid Term Council Meeting 2007 $ 463.62

End Term Council Meeting 2007 $ 5,584.44

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 21 End Term Council Meeting 2008 $ 1,895.64 Science meets Parliament $ 2,133.88 Sponsorship $ 6,500.00

Secretarial Fees - RGSQ $ 7,474.50 Direct debit charges and $ 454.55 adjustments Other Expenses $ 4,380.87 Total General Expenses $ 50,374.50

Prizes and Awards JD Smyth Travel Awards $ 10,678.55 Undergraduate Student $ 3,600.00 Prizes Total Prizes and Awards $ 14,278.55

Conference Expenses ASP Conference Student $ 26,167.79 Travel (2007) ASP Travelling Lectureships $ 10,073.30 (2007) ASP Conference Prize Win- $ 2,000.00 ners (2007) Other conference expenses $ 21,359.10 (2007)

ASP Conference 2008 $ 172,819.09 ASP Conference 2009 $ - ICOPA Conference $ 46,424.55 Total Conference Expenses $ 278,843.82

Subscriptions Subscriptions - FASTS $ 1,250.36 Subscriptions - ASMR $ 394.55 Subscriptions - WFOP (paid $ - until 2010) Total Subscriptions $ 1,644.91

Research ARC research network $ 50,000.00 ParaCite website $ 30,000.00 Total Research $ 80,000.00

Total Expenses $ 425,141.78

Operating Profit / (Loss) $ 105,458.92

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 22 CASH MANAGEMENT (WORKING) ACCOUNT - CBA PREMIUM BUSINESS ACCOUNT

Transaction Credit Debit Balance

Balance as at 30th April 2007 $ 46,250.70

Total credit interest to 30th April 2008 $ 5,435.75 Total credits excl. interest to 30th April 2008 $429,315.89 Bank and Merchant fees, ad- justments to 30th April 2008 $ 1,028.86 Totals debits (excl fees) to 30th April 2008 $282,386.63

Balance at 30th April 2008 $ 197,586.85

ACCOUNT # 2 (Conference account) - CBA PREMIUM BUSINESS ACCOUNT

Transaction Credit Debit Balance Balance as at 1st May 2007 $ 102,759.91

Total credit interest to 30th April 2008 $ 1,002.47 Total credits excl. interest to 30th April 2008 $158,464.85 Bank and Merchant fees, ad- justments to 30th April 2008 $ 529.00 Totals debits (excl fees) to 30th April 2008 $159,755.45

Balance at 30th April 2008 $ 101,942.78

SPRENT TERM DE- POSIT

Transaction Credit Debit Balance Balance on reinvestment at 1st November 2006 $ 52,112.48 Funds reinvested @6.150% for 9 months Interest paid on 1st May 2007 (6 month installment) $ 1,589.29 Interest paid on maturity 1st August 2007 $ 832.45

Balance on reinvestment at 1 August 2007 $ 54,534.22 Funds reinvested @4.250% for 9 months Interest paid on 1st February 2008 (6 month installment) $ 1,168.38

Balance on 30th April 2008 $ 55,702.60

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 23 iPAC INVESTMENT

Transaction Credit Debit Balance Balance transferred to iAccess account 16th April 2007 $ 585,111.44

Income paid and reinvested to 30th June 2007 $ 536.34 Change in Market Value to 30th June 2007 $ 8,169.08 Balance at 30th June 2007 $ 593,816.86

Income paid and reinvested to 30th September 2007 $ 56,165.93 Change in Market Value to 30th September 2007 $ 45,054.48 Balance at 30th September 2007 $ 604,928.31

Income paid and reinvested to 31st December 2007 $ 19,090.72 Change in Market Value to 31st December 2007 $ 28,069.84 Balance at 31st December 2007 $ 595,949.19

Income paid and reinvested to 31st March 2008 $ 29,236.08 Change in Market Value to 31st March 2008 $ 95,807.28 Balance at 31st March 2008 $ 529,377.99

Balance at 30th April 2008 $ 529,377.99 Note: total annualised return since initial investment on 29/04/02 is 9.3%pa (6.62%pa after inflation)- as at April 2007

Totals $113,198.15 $168,931.60 $ (55,733.45)

Totals $ 3,590.12 $ -

TOTAL BALANCE (all accounts) as at end of available statements (to end April 2008) Working account $197,586.85 Account #2 $101,942.78 iPAC investment $529,377.99 Sprent account $ 55,702.60

Total $884,610.22

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 24 IJP Editor’s report to ASP Council, July 2008

Editorial issues We previously mentioned our arrangement with Prof. Alan Johnson (Research Management Services International) for Alan to do scientific editing of manuscripts before papers are returned to authors for revision. Unfor- tunately, after a trial period, Alan was unable to continue editing papers for the IJP. I am now Director and CEO of the (otherwise known as the MacFarlane Burnet Institute of Medical Research and Public Health) and, in order to keep the IJP workflow moving as smoothly as possible, there have been some changes in the Editorial Board with Dominique Soldati becoming a full Deputy Editor (previously Deputy Editor – Reviews) and Alex Loukas stepping into a Deputy Editor role (previously a Specialist Editor). I remain extremely grateful to Ian who continues to work tire- lessly for the journal. And also to Dominique Soldati whose efforts to solicit high quality reviews have been one of the most important factors in the prospects for ongoing success of the IJP, particularly with respect to Impact Factor. I warmly welcome Alex to the Editorial leadership team. Specialist Editors continue to contribute strongly to the journal. Impact Factor and citations The 2007 Impact Factor has just become available and is 3.392, up 0.055 on last year and is the highest on record. The 2007 Immediacy Index is 0.857 compared with 0.404 in 2005. ASP Royalty Payment The royalty paid to the ASP in 2008 (for 2007) was GBP 79,152.90. This was less than the pre- vious year due to the correct amount having been deducted for the IJP Editorial Office expenses (only half of those were deducted the previous year).

Strategic Direction Internationalisation. As part of our effort to internationalise the journal, the cover (and the web site eventually) now has a new modern design which incorporates a strong re-enforcement of what has become our brand (whether we like it or not really) which is the acronym “IJP” and removal of the Australian map version of the ASP logo. The new journal cover design was implemented from 1 January 2008. Thanks to all of you for your comments, advice and support in making this change happen. I certainly understand the sensitivity surrounding removing the ASP logo from the front. Informal feedback received in the Editorial Office to date has been very favourable. Costs for de- signing the new cover were met from the Editorial Office budget. We have not been informed by Elsevier that they will be increasing production costs to include typesetting and printing of the new cover style. Open access. I continue to press Elsevier to find the right balance between maximising accessibility of the journal to the widest possible audience, especially those in developing countries, and protection of the income. Publicity. A major area that still needs to be addressed as there is much room for improvement especially in relation to the web site and targeted email alerts. I have had correspondence with Dale Seaton about this but not much movement yet apart from a commitment to re-design the website. The new cover should be the catalyst here.

Profile of Submissions 2007 statistics: We received 576 papers in 2007 (slightly less than the record of 582 in 2006) with an upfront rejection rate of 54%. We accepted 162 papers (28%). The main sources of submissions were Western Europe (24%) and Asia (21%). Submission rates from most regions were similar to 2006, however Western Europe decreased 3% while the Middle East increased 3%. We had some changes in manuscript categories in 2007. Biochemistry and Molecular Ge- netics (8%) and Medical and Veterinary Parasitology (9%) received most submissions. Epidemiology, Immunology and Vaccines, and Medical and Veterinary Parasitology had the highest percentage of accepted papers within individual categories. 2008 statistics: At 30 April we had received 189 submissions, with 53% being rejected upfront. The main sources of submissions were Western Europe (25%) and Asia (18%). Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (7%) and Medical and Veterinary Parasitology (6%) have received most submissions to 30 April.

Thematic Paper Series We are publishing a Zoonoses paper series September 2008. We are also publishing a series of papers from the COST Action 857 meeting in May 2008 to be published January 2009. IJP last published a COST issue in 1999 from the 1998 COST 820 meeting and it seems timely to do so again as we expect those papers will cite highly.

Office and Budget As mentioned in our previous report, Maria purchased a home quite some distance from Melbourne and has moved the IJP Editorial Assistant functions into a home office. A separate telephone/fax line has been installed for the IJP which has its own office. The new set-up has been running smoothly. Maria continued to be employed by WEHI until 30 June. IJP funds continued to be held at WEHI until 30 June in a dedicated IJP account managed by WEHI finance staff. From 1 July, Maria has been employed by the Burnet Institute. IJP funds have been transferred to the Burnet where these will be held in a dedicated IJP account managed by Burnet finance staff. We are using the Bur- net Institute mail address for the IJP. Maria’s move to a home office is with my full support and encouragement. Maria continues to be the lynch pin for the journal. Her dedication to the IJP, expertise in the role and the high regard in which she is held by all who deal with the journal are extremely valuable assets for the journal.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 25 Simon Cobbold, a PhD student in Mark and John delivered seminars to STATE NEWS Kiaran Kirk’s lab, is currently en- highlight research at IBID and also gaged in some proteomics work in learned more about the important Prof. Klaus Lingelbach’s lab in work being done at the hospital, in Australian Marburg, Germany. This is part of particular the diagnosis of human Capital Territory a collaborative effort between the helminth infections. John Dalton also two labs, funded by the GO8/ visited Khon Kaen University with Conference news. There was a DAAD – Australia Germany Joint Dr. Alex Loukas (QIMR), Prof Paul strong ACT contingent at this year’s Research Co-operation Scheme, to Brindley (GWU, USA) and Dr Jeff ASP/Network conference in Glenelg. investigate the ‘New Permeability Bethony (GWU, USA) to consult Special congratulations must go to Pathways’ induced by the malaria into the on-going project NIH-funded Julie-Anne Fritz, who won one of parasite in the infected red blood on Human Opisthorchiasis (Directed two Early Career Researcher awards cell membrane. by Paul Brindley and Banchop for her presentation on tissue-specific Sripa). Collaborative projects be- RNAi in C. elegans. Congratulations tween Khon Kaen and IBID were also deservedly go to Rob Summers, NEW SOUTH WALES also initiated with the group on the whose poster entitled ‘Reversing role of cysteine proteases in the chloroquine resistance in the malaria pathogenesis of this liver disease. parasite Plasmodium falciparum’ was Institute for the Biotechnology of University of Sydney awarded first place in the traditional Infectious Diseases Parasitology has featured strongly at poster category. The ACT successes Congratulations to Nick Smith on USyd in recent months. The highlight continued with Natalie Spillman, being made a Fellow of the Society was the discovery of the "protozoal who took out the best poster + oral at the recent AGM held in Adelaide missing link" Chromera velia (speed dating) award for her convinc- – a well-deserved award! Congratu- (published in Nature), in a "Bottom ing demonstration that ‘Regulation of lations also to Philippa Sharman of the Harbour" investigation unre- intracellular pH by the intraerythro- who won second prize in the lated to income tax and involving our cytic malaria parasite does not in- Poster/Oral competition for her own Jan Slapeta. Jan also displayed volve a Na+/H+ exchanger’, and presentation about the subtilisin his Crypto muris on the cover of IJP Adele Lehane, who was runner-up in proteases of Eimeria. The good (vol 38, 8-9). Several other wildlife the student talk category. A number news continues for IBID with the protozoal pathogens are under scru- of ACT parasitologists are now gear- awarding of a JD Smyth award to tiny, with students Jess King and ing up for presentations at this year’s Mike Lees. Mike has gone to the Stephanie Bishop hard on the heels ComBio conference in Canberra, US to work on Toxoplasma with of Neospora. Parasite stocks have which will coincide with Floriade’s Rima McLeod at the University of been gratifying amplified with provi- peak in late September. Chicago. Congratulations to Mike sion of specimens from students and

and also to Kelly Mai who has re- from Graham Brown's dog samples Travels to and from the School of ceived her examiners reports and from remote settlements as far afield Biochemistry and Molecular Biol- will be awarded her PhD at the next as Bidyadanga (nr Broome), Yarra- ogy (BaMBi, ANU). BaMBi has graduation. IBID members have bah in FNQ and Ti-tree in NT. USyd been fortunate over the last few also been busy traveling. A large researchers Natasha Ellis and Seyit months to have two visitors from number attended the conference in Kayis (with Herman Raadsma) have South Africa. Jandeli Niemand, a Adelaide and many thanks to the been centrally involved in SNP selec- PhD student in Prof. Braam Louw’s organizers for all their hard work. tion and DNA amplification for the group at the University of Pretoria, is Marilyn Katrib and Rob Walker are genotyping of SheepGenomics re- spending about 6 months in Kiaran just back from EMOP in Paris and source flocks for parasite resistance Kirk’s lab investigating polyamine Nick Smith is heading off to Brazil. markers. This should be completed transport in the malaria parasite. Nick has been invited to speak at this year at Johns Hopkins Uni, with Marianne van Wyk, a PhD student in the Toxoplasma Centennial Confer- results from these and proteomic A/Prof. Erick Strauss’ lab at the Uni- ence in Buzios. Mark Robinson and analyses eagerly awaited. The up- versity of Stellenbosch, has recently John Dalton spent a week visiting grading of the University's Camden returned home after working hard the Oxford University Clinical Re- Campus gathers momentum withthe through the Canberra winter in Kevin search Unit at the Hospital for completion of the building locations Saliba’s lab. Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh and priority plan due for acceptance

City, Vietnam. by Faculty Deans this month. And Parasitology is included!

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 26 Peter Rolls will visit the manufac- QUEENSLAND turer in the USA in October 2008 (via the TTP-6 conference, Buenos Department of Primary Indus- Aires, Argentina) to investigate STATE NEWS tries and Fisheries Parasitology changes to the equipment to allow it group to meet the project’s requirements. Macquarie University Staff (Susan Robinson, Jacqui The Applied Biotechnology Animal Congratulations to Nichola Hill who Wigg, Peter Rolls, Bert de Vos) at submitted her PhD thesis on parasites (ABA) group (Animal Research the Tick Fever Centre are cur- Institute) has had a busy few months in urban possums. Nichola has ac- rently mid way through a 3 year cepted a postdoc in California to – much fame and glory to be had by MLA project looking at improving all. Jess Morgan has just returned study bird flu. We have been hosting the post thaw shelf life of the frozen thre international interns, Sarah Lord from a trip to Vienna to present to the tick fever vaccine. The frozen vac- International Atomic Energy Agency who characterising parasites from cine is stored in glycerol and proc- sealions, Alina Kelman who is work- her results on molecular surveillance esses for improving red blood cell for screw worm fly in bulk trap ing on Eimeria in marsupials and recovery and parasite infectivity Tyler Allen who is working on new catches. Bart Wlodek has been busy after deglycerolisation are being conducting a chicken trial to investi- detection methods for Cryptopsorid- investigated in laboratory and field ium. Samanatha Emery is continuing gate competition among vaccine trials. Some positive results for strains of Eimeria species. Ala, analysis on rock wallaby Eimeria Babesia bovis and Anaplasma cen- with Michelle Power. Liette Waldon, Sandy, Sebastian (Centre for Com- trale are encouraging but results of parative Genomics, Murdoch Uni – Cristel Cheung and Michelle ven- efforts to deglycerolise B. bigemina tured to Wagga Wagga to visit a PhD Student) and Taryn from TFC have been disappointing and a new (above) all attended ASP in Ade- number of people including Nick approach is being considered. Sev- Sangster and Tiggy Grillo. They also laide. A good time had by all. We eral experimental parameters, in- can’t wait for the tick-mite fusion to ventured to John Hunter Hospital to cluding different reconstitution and discuss collaborative work and for be held at next ASP in Sydney in ‘deglycing’ processes, storage in 2009 J. The tick vaccine production Michelle to present the latest on diluent over time and different con- Cryptosporidium work. team (especially Manuel, Megan, centrations of the vaccine, are cur- Cathy, Bing) has been very busy – rently being tested in animal trials expressing, screening, checking ex- on co-operator properties and re- pression and getting ready for TTP-6. sults will be available in the new Emily Piper has been analysing bo- year. Conversion to an automated vine arrays associated with tick re- process using a Haemonetics ma- sponses. Sandy Jarrett and Anthea chineis also being trialed. Bruyeres have been screening sera and preparing samples for proteomic analysis. TTP-6 will held in Argen- tina (VI International Conference on Tick and Tick-borne pathogens, 21- 26th September) –to be attended by Wayne Jorgensen, Ala Lew, Manuel Rodriguez-Valle and 2 PhD students on the project (Sebastian Kurscheid – Murdoch Uni and Emily Piper - UQ). Suraj Ratnakar has joined us from UQ (Masters student) to study a fam- ily of tick genes. Con Constantinoiu has been generating some great tick feeding fluorescence images which everyone is thrilled about. Emily (supervised by Louise Jackson DPI&F Biosecurity and Nick Jonsson UQ) won the Early Career Research Award out of 58 CRCs in Australia (May 08) and Ala just won the Qld’s Smart State Smart Women Award for Science (Community/Public Sector).

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 27 The University of Queensland He would still like to obtain original School of Molecular and Micro- photos of sick animals and clinical bial Sciences lesions for inclusion in PARA-SITE. STATE NEWS They should belong to members and The recent review of the BSc pro- copyright would be assigned to the gram at UQ has seen staff teaching ASP. If you have any novel and dra- Both awards were for the contribu- all sorts of oddities. Peter (POD) matic images, please contact POD. tions on the tick vaccine project – O’Donoghue has been dragged into Emily for being a great PhD student a new first year course on the The- The University of Queensland assisting to unravel the immune re- ory and Practice of Science where School of Veterinary Science sponses to ticks and Ala for putting they are attempting to remediate together the team and the funding for quantitative skill development in The future of parasitology is being the tick vaccine project. Thus we students in the context of science well taken care of here at the Vet have had many celebrations includ- (that is, teach them basic maths). School - congratulations to Glen and ing the opening of CAAS. Wonders will never cease as Tom Clare Coleman and Kim Jell and her

Cribb was also caught lecturing on husband on the birth of their bundles CAAS the Centre for Advanced Ani- bacteria! of joy! We have a couple of more on mal Science is located at UQ's Gatton POD has taken on an honours the way, so we will keep you in- Campus, the $33 million facility was student Veronica Zhang with Major formed! officially opened by the Minister for Norm Waters at the Australian Nick Jonsson, is now Associate Primary Industries and Fisheries, the Army Malaria Institute where she is Dean of Research for the Faculty and Honorable Tim Mulherin on 2 Sep- looking at novel therapeutic com- will enjoy squeezing his research into tember. CAAS is a joint initiative pounds. He has also taken on PhD his other job responsibilities! Nick between UQ and the Department of student Michelle Plant who is look- has been in Veracruz Mexico (again) Primary Industries and Fisheries, is ing at the health status of native trying out the local enteric pathogens equipped with biosecurity contain- birds that flock to tourist parks for at a meeting of the FAO Working ment facilities, allowing scientists to free handouts. Group on Parasite Resistance and collaborate on Animal health, behav- Research-wise, POD had almost speaking at the VI International iour and nutrition projects. Combined finished a first round stock take of Seminar on Animal Parasitology. with other finished and planned de- ciliated protozoa in herbivores, but Christian Cutelle has been busily velopments at UQ Gatton, it will give on the way home one evening he analysing some information that con- Queensland the most comprehensive almost ran over a three-point stag firms polyandry in Rhipicephalus animal research and teaching precinct wandering down the highway. He is (Boophilus) microplus and future in Australia, and one of the best any- now looking at ciliates in feral and steps of his PhD project will be to where in the Southern Hemisphere/ farmed deer in Australia (more assess temporal genetic changes in subtropics. Wayne Jorgensen was prevalent than you would think). ticks that are under the effect of an instrumental in working with UQ and On the protozoa front, Denis Lynn acaricide rotation program. A hearty DPI&F to get this facility up and run- from the University of Guelph in ‘congratulations’ to Emily Piper ning (these were all the meetings he Canada is on a sabbatical visit to (PhD student co-advised by Nick and was attending for a couple of years). Andre-Denis Wright’s lab around Ala Lew, QDPI & F), for being

the corner at CSIRO Livestock In- awarded an Early Career Researcher The Parasitology section of Biosecu- dustries in the IMB Precinct. The Award at the CRC Association Con- rity Sciences Laboratory has been rumen protozoa and bacteria in Oz ference in May. She will be spend- busy examining the latest find of are taking a hit. ing the award on attending the Inter- Asian honeybees for parasitic mites. The PARA-SITE website is com- national Symposium on Ticks and This included plucking bee larvae ing along nicely, with most of the Tick Borne Pathogens in Buenos Ai- from all the brood cells of a hive illustrations for the first-stage de- res in September, at which she will (>3000 from one hive) and examin- velopment now completed by bio- be presenting microarray data from ing each larva and its cell for mites. logical artist Lynn Pryor. She does skin samples taken from resistant and Thankfully no parasitic mites have fine work. Thank you to the ASP susceptible cattle infested with the yet been found. Louise, Ala and and the ARC/NHMRC Network for cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus. Wayne will be attending the inaugu- funds to pay for her services. POD Christian Gray, Postdoctoral Fellow, ral meeting of the Scientific Advisory will add the text, photos and tables has established an in vitro tube feed- Committee on Cattle Ticks that has over the coming months and a test ing systems for R. microplus. More been set up, in part, due to outbreaks website will be made available to recently Christian has started to adapt of ticks and tick fever in northern members for comment and editing. this assay for feeding I holocyclus, NSW in recent seasons. with some early but promising re- sults.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 28 The aim of this research will be to molecular epidemiology of hydatid South Australian Museum/The develop an in vitro method to collect disease in Pakistan. Asma’s skills University of Adelaide saliva to be used in range of research as a researcher are only matched by Vanessa Glennon, Lizzie Perkins and projects associated with the Vet her scrumptious Biryani! Other- Ian Whittington are excitedly antici- School. wise, Rebecca continues her longi- pating a field trip to Noumea to study tudinal study in collaboration with the monogeneans of a variety of Dr Nagel, St Vincent’s Hospital, warm water, coral reef fishes. PhD Rebecca Traub has regained her re- Toowoomba collecting stool (ok, student Lizzie was recently awarded search ‘mojo’ after returning from an what’s new!) from patients suffer- a JD Smyth Award and some funds exciting fieldtrip to India. Rebecca ing from blastocystosis in aim of from the ARC/NH&MRC Research accompanied her Ph.D. student unravelling the enigma of the Network for Parasitology which will Azaziah Megat Abd Rani (co-advised emerging issue of treatment failure. enable her to fund her participation by Peter Irwin, Murdoch University in this trip to collect more capsalids and Glen Coleman, UQ) to India for Actest is getting a new lease on life for her phylogeny studies. Kate a period of four weeks to help con- in a collaborative venture between Hutson is conferenced out from two duct a survey of canine gastrointesti- UQ and QDPI. Jim Rothwell and interstate meetings (Australasian nal parasitic zoonoses and vector- colleagues Beth McGraw and Scott Aquaculture in Brisbane and the borne diseases. This three-year pro- O’Neill in the School of Integrative Australian Society for Fish Biology ject is being funded by Bayer Health- Biology and Bing Zhang, Wayne at Bondi Beach, Sydney) and associ- Care Animal Health with in-kind Jorgensen and Peter James at QDPI ated field work. Upon her return she support from Vets Beyond Borders are investigating the prevalence of was lucky enough to get hold of an (www.vetsbeyondborders.org). Wolbachia in buffalo flies – it is oceanic sunfish (a Mola sp. more Azaziah and Rebecca had the joy of apparently not present in Australia than 1 m long!) that was washed up visiting four exotic locations in India, unlike horn flies. Wendy Balydon recently at Port Augusta. Kate and including Leh (Tibetan border, has started a PhD with Jim Roth- Ian are looking forward to what they 3500m), where Rebecca was assured well and Paul Mills trying to find anticipate to be a very smelly dissec- ‘discharge’ of Azaziah from a local alternatives to mulesing. Effie tion in the search for parasite mate- government hospital for altitude sick- Lee’s work on characterising the rial! Lesley Warner embarked on a ness, once Rebecca agreed to act as pathology induced by one of the research trip to Hawaii shortly after interpreter for foreign tourists in the chemical mulesing products has the Glenelg conference where she trauma ward! While in India, Re- been successful and she is looking visited the Bishop Museum in Hono- becca also visited collaborators at now at ultra-structural pathology in lulu, the State Museum of Cultural & Bombay Veterinary College to final- her new position at EMAI in Syd- Natural History. There, she studied ise her collaborative project on the ney. nematodes from rodents to progress molecular epidemiology of hydatid her on-going studies on Labiobulura disease in western India, funded by Glen Coleman was recently ap- funded by ABRS. Lesley returned UQ. Leigh Cuttell, advised by Re- pointed Associate Dean of Teach- with more than just data because she becca, Paul Vanderlinde (AQIS), ing and Learning for the faculty and contracted shingles. However she is Christian Gray (UQ) and Louise is managing to squeeze his research on the mend now and was well Jackson (QDPI & F) has made a into his busy schedule. Steven enough to return to Rockhampton good start to her PhD project on a Kopp has done the unimaginable recently to attend the graduation of risk assessment and survey of Trichi- that is, managed to juggle the de- PhD student, Haylee Weaver, at Cen- nella on mainland Australia, funded mands of being an academic with tral Queensland University. The by the Australian Biosecurity CRC. submitting his PhD thesis on pyran- other Leslie in Adelaide, Leslie Chis- Leigh is on the lookout for serum and tel resistance in the canine hook- holm, has just returned from her sec- meat samples from indicator species worm, Ancylostoma caninum. Ste- ond Australian winter spent overseas such as crocodiles, feral pigs, feral ven was recently appointed Associ- working at the Royal Ontario Mu- dogs, foxes and migratory carnivo- ate Lecturer in Veterinary Clinical seum in Toronto on capsalid and rous birds. Leigh is also busy footing Pathology at the Vet School and is monocotylid monogeneans from up a number of frequent flyer miles now officially the sixth parasitolo- Australia and Borneo. While in Can- through attending AB-CRC funded gist on board! Congratulations Ste- ada, she was also married. Leslie is workshops on principals of epidemi- ven and welcome to the club! being interviewed for the position of ology, surveillance and risk assess- Collection Manager in Parasitology ment. Asma Latif, a PhD student (3 days/week) at the SA Museum from the University of Punjab, Paki- SOUTH AUSTRALIA along with several other applicants stan is currently visiting Rebecca’s shortly. lab for six months to work on the

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 29 STATE NEWS TASMANIA

Aquafin CRC, which supported our research on Amoebic Gill Disease, tuna parasites and parasitic copepods in striped trumpeter is close to the end of its funding. However, we have been successful attracting new funding through FRDC as well as other sources. This will allow us to continue our research on parasitic diseases in farmed fish. There will be opportunities for PhD students to join our group as we some of the funding includes PhD scholarships. PhD student Neil Young has spent some time in Dr Iva Dykova's labora- tory in Czech Republic, where he has been working on Neoparamoeba, in particular the relationship between Sunfish (Mola sp.) with capsalid monogeneans on the the amoeba and its symbiont. The results are currently being prepared skin, Port Augusta, South Australia (Kate Hutson) for publication. His visit to Czech Republic was partly sponsored by the WESTERN He also spent a fruitful couple of Czech Academy of Sciences. Neil is AUSTRALIA weeks with David Pedrafita testing his collection of serum to deter- currently busy writing up his PhD mine the level of co-infection with thesis. Departmernt of Parasitology Barbara Nowak has given presenta- Fasciola and also at AAHL where Murdoch University he ran some samples through the tions on parasitic diseases of fish at Jill Austen has taken a break from qPCR for T. evansi that was devel- fish histopathology course in Wey- labouring at the bench character- oped by Trevor Taylor. Rob Dob- mouth, UK, which was organised by ising new trypanosomes to plan son is busy holding it all together CEFAS. The workshop is organise for the forthcoming labour that now that Simon has eloped to Su- every two years and has been at- will produce her second lawesi to work on bird flu (not tended by researchers and PhD stu- baby. Fortunately Jill has been as even a parasite)!! Simon has sur- dents from various countries. In prolific in her research efforts as vived a few months so far with Australia, fish histopathology work- she has in the breeding stakes so only one bout of Dengue and the shop is run once a year by University we are confident that she will usual settling in problems. He was of Tasmania, for more information eventually finish her PhD. Celia fascinated to see that the local vets please contact Barbara Nowak. PhD Smuts is on the downhill run of in the field are always more inter- student, Melanie Andrews has been her PhD on improving the diag- ested in discussing surra and its progressing well with her research on nosis of surra that is funded by treatment than they are bird parasitic copepods affecting striped the Biosecurity CRC. Celia was flu. Perhaps sick chickens just don't trumpeter. In addition she has spent recently invited to showcase her raise the pulse of the average vet as some time in Port Lincoln helping filter paper-based serum collec- much as a sick horse or cow. In out with research on tuna para- tion system at a recent end-users June Rob attended the annual meet- sites. PhD students Renee Florent workshop for the CRC, a brilliant ing of the Biosecurity CRC in and Mathew Jones have submitted piece of work. She is almost Bangkok and greatly enjoyed the their theses on various aspects of there with her thesis. Alan Dar- fine food, temples, river, peo- Amoebic Gill Disease. gantes has spent more time in the ple ... he managed to find time to We would like to welcome our new Philippines where he has been present a talk on the development members from Hobart who will add busily collecting tabanids and of demographic and infectious dis- more diversity to our ASP group as collecting more samples from ease models for buffalo and other until now all of us have been working outbreaks of surra. on fish parasites.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 30 common domestic surra Michael Grigg from NIH will worm egg counts. Luckily funds hosts. Dobbo has also been pon- be coming in October to discuss have continued for research into dering parasite data in general and collaborative research on better alternatives, such as the whether arithmetic or geometric Toxoplasma. Sheep CRC-funded “Targeted means offer the best estimate of Andy T and Andy Smith are off treatment” strategy that has kept drug efficacy? He believes it can to a WHO meeting in Geneva in Brown Besier (or the technical now be proved (by Monte Carlo November on foodborne infec- team) busy for the last few years. simulation) that efficacy is best tions. They have been compiling The CRC has also funded the addi- determined by arithmetic means data on the burden of intestinal tional promotion and development and that geometric means will yield protozoan diseases (giardiasis, of WormBoss, with Rob Woodgate a "biased" efficacy result amoebiasis cryptosporidiosis, at the helm. And we have recently (i.e."biased"; the expected efficacy cyclosporiasis, blastocystosis), started work on the new “Boss on differs from the true efficacy). and will give a first report at the the Block”, FlyBoss – blowfly consultation in Geneva. The strike information website, and Andre Buret is here for 6 months, WHO initiative aims to provide hope to launch this in 2009. A ma- from the University of Calgary. He estimates for all major causes jor issue behind this is, of course, was awarded a prestigious Re- (including parasites) of the global the planned cessation of mulesing search Fellowship from the Austra- burden of foodborne disease of lambs in 2010, as objective in- lian Government’s Endeavour Pro- through the work of the expert formation on alternatives will be gramme to undertake collaborative advisory group, established by the urgently needed. Locally, Di Evans research with the Parasitology WHO Director General, the and others of our “PestWise” team group at Murdoch. He’ll be at Mur- Foodborne Diseases Burden Epi- are developing an annual sheep doch for six months working on demiology Reference Group management calender which assists the comparative pathogenesis of (FERG). in determining the flystrike risk, Giardia assemblages. Andre will Hanna recently completed a and indicates various options. The be joined by Tim Paget from the review for Trends in Parasitology lack of advisers who are really up University of Kent in November on Cryptosporidium and has had with the complexity of chemical who will complement Andre’s re- one of her electron microscope choice is very evident. search activities by adding a bio- photos of Cryptosporidium being And it’s not all sheep nematodes – chemical component to the com- chosen for the cover of that jour- we have a grant to look at parative Giardia studies. nal? anthelmintic resistance in cattle Amanda has returned safely from Tanya is heading off to Brazil worms, with a new parasite re- her second field trip to Africa and re: T. cruzi drug screening which search officer, Jenny Cotter due to is now busy in the lab analysing is a new project funded by DNDi, start at Albany. Another worm, this latest collection of samples. before joining Wayne, Andy et al Taenia ovis (“sheep measles” to the Andy T and Susana recently at- at the American Soc. Trop Medi- industry) appears to be on the in- tended EMOP in Paris which cine in New Orleans in Decem- crease as a cost to abattoirs, and proved to be a very good meeting ber. Andrea Khong has joined us Anna Ericson at the Narrogin of- with an emphasis on wildlife and as a research assistant to help fice will shortly run a questionnaire protozoology. Tanya in her expanding drug dis- survey to see whether its all just Andy T will head off again covery work. Andrew Mikoza has about (not) dosing dogs, or there shortly to Mahidol University in recently received a new grant are other factors. Bangkok to run a course in the from Canada for work on As always, we’ve needed some R Tropical Medicine faculty, examine the"Development of high- & R at conferences, so Brown Be- PhD students, and as an invited throughput molecular detection sier and Rob Woodgate attended speaker at the Joint Tropical Medi- systems for Salmonella and E. the Australian Veterinary Associa- cine Conference in Bangkok in Oc- coli in food." tion annual gathering in Perth, and tober. Josephine Ng is heading to At- then the ASP conference in Ade- Nevi has just handed in her PhD lanta, Georgia to do a 4 week laide. Both great in scientific and thesis and is preparing to move to Epidemiology course run by CDC social terms, with an interesting the UK to start a postdoc at Not- and Emory University. vinous difference: Barossa and tingham University. She will be Department of Agriculture and Coonawarra versus Margaret River working on malignant catarrhal Food WA and the Great Southern. We kept fever in cattle. our options open and sampled them A cold and fairly wet winter has all. brought its share of parasite prob- lems, and the labs are busy with

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 31 Conferences XIX NATIONAL CONGRESS OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY AND NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON

‘‘National Impact of Parasitic Diseases on Livestock Health and Production’’

November 18-20, 2008

FOCAL THEME “Changing Trends in Parasitology: From Eggs to Genomics”

Sponsored by Organized by Indian Association for the Department of Veterinary Parasitology Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology College of Veterinary Science Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Ludhiana- 141 004

E-mail:[email protected], [email protected] Website: www.IAAVP. nxom.org

Australian Health and Medical Research conference Brisbane Convention Centre November 16 - 21 2008

http://www.ahmrcongress.org.au Registration now open.

An event sponsored by Australian and New Zealand Medical Research Societies

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 32 Nominations for return airfare from the recipient's home city to JD Smyth Travel Awards Bancroft-Mackerras Medal Australia, the necessary interstate travel and reasonable living expenses based on actual These awards are designed specifically to

costs. Registration at the Scientific Meeting assist full-time postgraduate student to travel The Bancroft-Mackerras Medal may be will also be included. overseas to gain knowledge on techniques that awarded to a member of the Society who, in may not be available in Australia, to form the opinion of the selection committee, has The total value of the lectureship will be liaisons that may benefit their careers in the made an outstanding contribution to the determined by Council but it is expected that longer term and to promote the cause of para- science of parasitology, particularly in work the recipient, or his/her Australian sponsor, sitology in Australia. It is primarily to conduct published during the last five years. will also seek to provide additional or research or to attend conferences and visit

alternative financial support. research institutes. The fellowship is not pro- Nominations should be made by a proposer vided for the primary purpose of attending a and seconder, and should consist of: Applicants must include the following conference. Applicants must be members of

information: the ASP Inc of at least 6 months standing and • A detailed statement of nomination enrolled in a postgraduate degree at a recog- describing the nature of the "outstanding Details of visiting specialist nised Australian University. contribution to the science of

parasitology" for which he/she has been An up-to-date curriculum vitae must be Four scholarships are awarded each year and responsible. The statement should be attached to the application. The following applications are considered in two rounds, signed by the proposer and seconder, or details should be supplied: with closing dates in December and June. The each may submit a separate statement. maximum value of the fellowship is to be

• Date and place of birth determined annually by the Council and may • A curriculum vitae including a list of all • Present nationality (and former be up to $2500. Recipients are to be chosen by publications. a selection committee appointed by Council. nationality, if applicable) • Present position held Note that the Medal is intended for members Applications should include details of the whose research program has been productive • Full address of employing institution, including phone, fax and Email numbers travel to be undertaken, the applicant’s re- during the last five years. The permission of search, evidence of the supervisor's support, the nominee is not required and the nominee • Detailed evidence of expertise in relevant discipline (list of publications, etc.). budget and an abbreviated CV. For research need not be aware of the nomination. based proposals, applicants should nominate

Details of Australian nominator the international laboratory to be visited, the Nominations should be sent direct to the purpose of the visit, including techniques and current ASP Executive Secretary. Detailed skills to be gained, and the timeframe. If atten- • Name of member organizing the visit, information on nomination and selection dance at a conference is to form part of the including full address, phone, fax and procedures is given in the By-Laws of the travel then the conference name and a copy of Email numbers ASP Constitution. Nominations are due each the conference abstract should also be in- year at the end of September. • Details of all other applications which cluded. Full details of laboratory visits are to have been made for financial assistance be included. Proof of acceptance of the ab- towards travel/accommodation costs. Total value of other contributions must stract by the conference organisers must be be included. provided prior to receiving the award. The application must not number more than 6 Details of program pages including the CV, extra information and abstract (if applicable). The program should normally last a minimum of 2 working weeks and cover at least 2 States Awardees will be required to provide a report or Territories. of their trip within three months of return from Details should include: their travel.

• Date of visit Applicants should apply to the current Execu- • Program being arranged, including tive Secretary of the Australian Society for institutions to be visited (with dates) and Parasitology using the application form from the purpose of each visit (lecture, the web site or this newsletter. Applications seminar, workshop, research discussion, must be accompanied by the details requested etc) above and an abbreviated CV. Email, mail or fax your application. Nominations for • Aims, rationale and likely benefits of

ASP Invited Lectureship Travel Grants visit Applications should be received by the due • Contribution to be made at Society's dates: June 30th, 2008 and December 31st To complement the scientific presentations at Scientific Meeting 2008. the Scientific Meetings of the ASP, overseas researchers of international reputation in a Applications plus supporting documentation field of parasitology may be invited to attend should be sent to the ASP President by the end and present their work. The invited speaker's of December in the year preceding the expertise must be common to a discipline or Conference. Applicants should check with the symposium conducted at the Scientific Conference Organisers for details of Meeting. The visitor must be nominated by a conference theme, symposia, workshops, etc. member of the Society. before submitting an aapplication. ______The Society will provide a travel grant to assist in the finance of the trip. The support will be based on an economy class direct

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 33 APPLICATION FOR JD SMYTH POSTGRADUATE TRAVEL AWARD

Name:

Address:

Phone: Fax:

Email:

University: Enrolled Degree:

Supervisor’s Certification I hereby affirm that is a bona fide postgraduate student working under my supervision.

Name: Signed:

Date:

Research Visit

Name and address of laboratory to be visited:

Name of host:

Purpose of visit:

Justification:

Conference Attendance (if applicable)

Conference Title:

Venue:

Type of presentation to be given:

Title of Abstract: (Please attach a copy of the abstract)

Justification:

Budget Please provide a budget including details of travel expenses, accommodation and research costs. Please also provide details of any other funding sought or received for this travel.

Curriculum vitae Please attach a brief curriculum vitae.

Additional information Applications NOT to exceed 6 pages. Successful applicants will be required to submit a report to the ASP council within three months of their return from their travel.

Applications must be received by the due dates: June 30th or December 31st Email, mail or fax your application to: The Executive Secretary of the Australian Society for Parasitology (www.parasite.org.au/Council.html)

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 34 The Australian Society for Parasitology Inc.

Secretariat: ASP Inc c/- Thinking Futures PO Box 2118, Hotham Hill, Victoria Australia 3051 Fax 03 9329 3448 Email: [email protected]

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Tax Invoice ABN: 65 979 686 445

Surname: Given names: Title:

Institute

Email: Postal address:

Telephone: Fax: Other Email:

Signature: Date:

*Proposed by (Name): (Signature):

*Seconded by (Name): (Signature):

*The Society’s Constitution requires that the Applicant be known personally to at least one of the sponsors for membership. Both the proposer and seconder must be members of the Society.

This application must be accompanied by payment of one year’s subscription in Australian dollars: $80 for full members (inc GST), and $20 for student members (inc GST)† , $500 (inc GST) for sustaining members.

† Applicants for student membership must have the following statement signed. Registered Higher Degree: Institution: Name of Head of Department: Signature of Head of Department:

I enclose a cheque for A$ payable to the “Australian Society for Parasitology Inc.” OR Please debit my (tick one) Visa Bankcard /Mastercard Card number: ______Expiry date _ _ / _ _ Cardholder name: Cardholder signature: Applications for membership are considered by a Committee of the ASP. Successful applicants will receive a receipt and a copy of the Constitution from the Secretariat. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised and their subscription fee refunded.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 35

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

If you have changed your address, title or name; or if there is a mistake in your mailing label, please fill out the details below and send them to:

ASP Secretariat, c/- Thinking Futures PO Box 2118, Hotham Hill, Vic 3051 Or Fax 03 9329 3448 Or Email: [email protected]

Name as it appears on present mailing label: (if possible, please enclose the old mailing label)

......

Title, name and postal address for future mailing labels:

...... Tel: ......

Printed by: Lighthouse Press, Macquarie University.

Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. NEWSLETTER page 36