Parasitology in Portugal is experiencing remarkable growth, as evidenced by an expanding critical mass, growing thematic diversity and increasing scientific and translational impact. In this dynamic context, the Parasitology in Portugal 2026 Symposium will reunite the national community dedicated to human and veterinary parasitology for the first time since 2014.
The Parasitology in Portugal Symposium will be held at Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa (FMUL)/GIMM, Lisbon, on 5 March 2026. Endorsed by the Sociedade Portuguesa de Microbiologia (SPM), the symposium reinforces the meeting’s role as a bridge between parasitology, microbiology, public health, and tropical medicine.
The GHTM | IHMT NOVA is honoured to be co-organising this significant event alongside colleagues from the Católica Biomedical Research Centre, the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) and the Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária at the Universidade de Lisboa.
GHTM researchers will participate actively throughout the scientific programme, contributing to discussions, presentations and the broader exchange of knowledge that the symposium aims to foster. Their involvement includes a strong scientific presence: nine Principal Investigators will take part in the session My Lab in a Snapshot – Research Labs in Portugal, complemented by seven oral presentations and nineteen posters, presented by 39 researchers and MSc and PhD students, reflecting the depth and breadth of parasitology research conducted at the institute.
Portugal has a long and distinguished tradition in parasitology, shaped by both historical achievements and outstanding contemporary research. This symposium aims not only to celebrate that legacy but also to highlight and amplify the excellent work being carried out nationwide on parasites of medical and veterinary relevance, their vectors and evolution, their ecological and immunological roles, and the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and innovative control strategies.
Designed as a space for genuine scientific exchange, the symposium will offer a stimulating and diverse programme, ample time for discussion, and opportunities for networking and collaboration across laboratories, institutions and career stages. A central priority of the event is to showcase early-career researchers, ensuring that emerging ideas and new networks can take root and flourish.