Print Post Approved PP 255003/0828
NEWSLETTER
Volume 2 Issue No. 3 August 200
From the President's desk
IN THIS ISSUE
From the President's desk 2 Warwick Nicholas obituary Network news 4 News from the Convenor 4 Network Travel Awards 5 Profile - PhD student Natalie Spillman (ANU) OzEMalaR news 6 News from the Convenor 6 OzEMalaR Travel Awards 7 200 ASP Invited Lectureship Travel Awards 7 Congratulations and Research news 8 ASP Undergraduate Prizes 9 Awards: Closing dates and nominations for ASP prizes 0 ICOPA XII news IJP Feature article 2 Andy Thompson, Mike Griggs and their collaborative Toxoplasma gondii research 4 Events: Parasites in Focus 5 Conference news 7 Jobs in Parasitology 7 Network Mentorship Scheme 8 200 MTM ASP draft minutes 42 ASP contact details
www.parasite.org.au
Hello members, Well we are now a week from the opening of ICOPA XII and your Committees have been working hard to create an exciting scientific and social program. We have received over 900 abstracts and over 600 registrations to date so it promises to be a successful and broad meeting with many opportunities to meet new colleagues and create new friendships. We have included Open sessions chosen from submitted abstracts which will add further breadth to the Program. The final Timetable and Summary grid is now posted on the ICOPA XII website (www.icopaxii.org ). There have been some unavoidable last minute amendments so please check the Timetable for the sessions that interest you. We are looking forward to welcoming all our members to Melbourne. The Opening Welcome event at 5-7 pm on Sunday 5 August promises to be eventful so I encourage all members to attend, mingle with our international delegates and make all our visitors feel welcome to Australia. The ASP has awarded Invited Lectureship Travel Grants to three eminent invitees who are attending ICOPA XII: Prof Dominique SoldatiFavre (Switzerland), Dr Simon Jones (Canada) and Dr Carlos Carmona (Uruguay). The details of their visits are enclosed and members are encouraged to attend their seminars and meet our visitors as they visit different locations in Australia. I am very pleased to advise members that the ASP will award the Bancroft-Mackerras Medal and induct two new Fellows at the AGM in Melbourne. I encourage all members to attend the AGM at 3.30-5.30pm on Wed 8 August and honour our medallist and Fellows. The applications for the ASP Student Travel Grants have now closed. We were delighted to receive over 00 applications and awardees have all been notified by email. It is clear that ICOPA XII has generated considerable interest among our students and we look forward to your presentations at ICOPA XII. Members may be aware that the ASP has a new website with a stunning new format courtesy of the creativity and diligence of Jason Mulvenna and Lisa Jones (see http://parasite.org.au/). Jason and Lisa would also appreciate any comments on the website and how we can improve service to members. The PARA-SITE interactive tool is now live on our website and is an exciting addition to
our site
(http://parasite.org.au/para-site/introduction/index.html):
members are asked to provide any feedback to improve the site to Peter O'Donoghue. The first call for applications for the new Australia - Europe Malaria Research Cooperation – OzEMalaR awards has been announced: these awards support scientific exchanges between malaria researchers, students and postdocs in Europe and Australia. I encourage members to apply for support visit the OzEMalaR website for details www.ozemalar.org With respect to the Strategic Plan, Council will be discussing a draft plan in Melbourne which will be presented to the members at the AGM for discussion and subsequently circulated for comments. I previously circulated the documents that informed the Workshop and these are available for members to peruse at the Wild Apricot membership website (http://asp.wildapricot.org/). I encourage all members to send me your comments as Council is keen to hear the thoughts of members as the Plan is developed. See you all in Melbourne! Regards Terry Spithill
Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. ABN 65 979 686 445
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WARWICK LLEWELLYN NICHOLAS: 3 April 1926 – 5 May 2010
With the death of Warwick Llewellyn Nicholas (Nick to his wife Evie, and everyone else) there passes another from that august group, the Foundation Members of the Australian Society for Parasitology. Nick was an active member of the Society; he and his students presented many papers at its meetings over more than forty years. He felt honoured to be called upon to be its President in 978 and by his subsequent election to the Fellowship. He was particularly proud of the fact that he had organized its first meeting in 964 and often entertained us with stories of the exuberance of 'tired and emotional' members on that auspicious occasion. During his Presidency he concentrated, inter alia, on the thankless task of finding a home for the Australian Parasitology Collection, initiating a process that took 20 years to come to fruition. His own collection of free-living nematodes he donated to the CSIRO under the care of one of his former students, Dr Michael Hodda. Nick was born in 926 in Cheshire, in the north of England. His father died when he was four and his mother, unable to cope, sent him to live with two aunts in Hampshire, the first of several moves in an unstable childhood. Later, he went with his mother to live with her brother in Canada. The move proved unsuccessful and they returned the following year. After a brush with suspected diphtheria that turned out to be tonsillitis, he was sent off for nine months to convalesce in Kent. He returned to his mother, but the combined stresses of family illnesses and the need to take in paying guests culminated in her nervous breakdown. In 935, at nine years
of age, Nick was sent to an orphanage, the Royal Merchant Navy School at Reading. He was rescued by his older sister, Isabel, in 938, and found to be suffering from malnutrition. She was 26 and had married well and was able to afford to send him as a boarder to Colet Court in North London, one of the many 'crammers' for public schools. A year later, he was accepted at Dauntsey's, in Wiltshire, a public school that specialized in Science and Agriculture. At Dauntsey's, Nick developed his lifelong interest in aquatic invertebrates; he became interested in the dew-ponds on the Salisbury Plain, ran the school aquarium and fell in love with microscopy. In 944, he took his Higher School Certificate in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology, but it seemed unlikely that he would ever have the financial resources to go to University. At this point, he was given what was, probably, the most valuable piece of advice of his career. It was 944, and he couldn't wait to volunteer for the Royal Navy. An uncle advised him to tell them that he proposed to enter a University at the end of the war. Apparently, after WW, those who did so obtained a university grant on demobilization. And so it transpired after WW2. Already a Home Guard, Nick became a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm and trained in the USA, expecting to fight in the Pacific. The atom bomb brought about an end to hostilities and it was one of his regrets that he never saw combat. In 946, however, he was released from service and received a Government grant to attend Liverpool University, from where he graduated with First Class Honours in Zoology in 950. He accepted
a Research Assistantship at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and enrolled for a PhD. After carrying out some preliminary research and attending courses in medical and veterinary parasitology, Nick was sent out on a banana boat to West Africa, with Drs WE Kershaw and A Hopkins, to work on filariasis – in particular, Dipetalonema perstans, a common human parasite but one that causes little pathology. At Kumba, in Cameroon, Nick and Hopkins soon established that it was transmitted by the biting midge, Culicoides. Soon after, both Kershaw and Hopkins succumbed to a Salmonella infection and returned home. Nick was left to pursue his PhD project unsupervised, which suited him admirably. He was awarded the degree in 953. While working at the Tropical School, he made the decision to study the physiology of nematodes, particularly the free living rhabditids. One of these was Caenorhabditis elegans, destined to become one of the most studied animals ever. In several ways, 953 was a big year for Nick. He won a Beit postdoctoral fellowship, tenable in the Department of Zoology at Liverpool University, and shortly afterwards was appointed to a Lectureship, enabling him to continue his work on rhabditid nematodes and to begin work on a neglected group of parasites, the Acanthocephala. But most important was that he married Evelyn Clarkson. They met in the laboratory over a dogfish dissection and together they raised four children.
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AUSTRALIAN SOCIETy FOR PARASITOLOGy INC.
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Volume 2 Issue No. 3 August 200
WARWICK LLEWELLYN NICHOLAS: 3 April 1926 – 5 May 2010
The Nicholas oeuvre comprises about 20 scientific papers and one important book, The Biology of Free-Living Nematodes, published by Clarendon Press, Oxford. This, however, is really two books as the first edition (975) and the second edition (984) were separated by a decade in which there was almost an exponential growth in nematode studies. Nick's research papers can be separated into a several topics. The first group is the cluster of early papers on Dipetalonema perstans and its vectors. There is also a substantial body of work (7 publications) on the parasitic Acanthocephala, mainly Polymorphus minuta and Moniliformis dubius. Then there is a series of six papers on host reponse to parasitic infection, using the cestode, Mesocestoides corti. The major group, however, comprises the many papers, all nematode-focused, that reflect the many different facets of Nick's wide-spread interests. By far the most important of these are the studies that deal with nematodes as members of the interstitial fauna. Well over half of Nick's publications are concerned with the description, taxonomy, cultivation, development and ecology of nematodes and their role as indicators of environmental health. An important collaborator in this endeavour was Dr Aimorn Stewart, who worked for and with Nick for more than twenty years. Nick continued to publish as long as he possibly could, and his last paper was published in 2009. In recognition of his work, he was made an Emeritus Member of the Society of Nematologists. In spite of Nick's passion for nematode research, he did not shirk his obligations to the Australian National University and the Department of Zoology. Appointed as senior lecturer in 960, he was very quickly promoted to Reader (Associate Professor) in 964. He mainly taught Parasitology at the undergraduate level but contributed to other courses and supervised many Honours, Masters and PhD students. He served several stints as Head of Department, including two onerous terms when, with all the other pressures that the job brings, he had to oversee the stage and stage 2 construction of the Zoology Building. He also had to take charge of the Department during a difficult inter-regnum on the retirement of the former Head. He was greatly admired by his colleagues in the Department. A modern renaissance man, he could talk knowledgeably and wittily about a wide range of topics and his contribution to the esprit of the Department was immense. If he were present, Departmental coffee breaks were not to be missed. He continued to work in spite of the cancer that he battled for seven years, and remained a Visiting Fellow until the day he died. Although the great prizes eluded Nick, he had his brush with greatness, and this happened early on in his career. A spell at the Kaiser Foundation Health Laboratory with Drs Ellsworth C. Dougherty and Eder Hansen of the University of California was made possible in 957, when he won a prestigious Traveling Fellowship supported jointly by the Medical Research Council of the UK and the Rockefeller Foundation. The University of California (Davis) 'Nemaplex' website describes how, in 956, Nick achieved the axenic culture of two strains of Caenorhabditis elegans, one of which was the 'Bristol' strain. The goal was a fully defined medium for cultivating the worm, a task in which Nick eventually succeeded while at the Kaiser. The 'Bristol' cultivar of C. elegans was subsequently given to Sydney Brenner by Dougherty. The website goes on to remark "Consider the importance of the Nicholas/MRC connection. Brenner was the mover and shaker at MRC and was debating the next steps in translating the successes of Watson and Crick into a greater understanding of 'life'... some ideas must have been transferred to Brenner through Nicholas." Brenner chose to work with C. elegans because it was a simple, easily grown organism convenient for genetic analysis and it subsequently became the first metazoan to have its genome sequenced. Brenner shared the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on C. elegans; he titled his Nobel Address Nature's Gift to Science. Nature, however, had received considerable help from one Warwick Llewellyn Nicholas. Vale, Nick. I am indebted to Evelyn Nicholas, who generously made her records available to me, for much of the information in this memoir. Chris Bryant Centre for the Public Awareness of Science Australian National University Canberra
The worm parasite inset is a larval roundworm. Roundworms and hookworms infect billions of people all around the world causing a variety of diseases, very often involving anaemia and diarrhoea. Images copyright 2007, Julie Balen, Queensland Institute of Medical Research (Australia) are part of "Parasites in Focus" exhibition
www.parasite.org.au
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News from the ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology
News from the Convenor
Congratulations to our recently awarded Network Researcher Exchange, Travel and Training Award recipients, this program continues to produce excellent Researcher Exchanges to promote collaborative research within Australia and internationally as demonstrated through our profile of Natalie Spillman, PhD student from Kiaran Kirk's lab at ANU, who has returned recently from her Network funded Researcher Exchange to La Trobe University. This issue, our featured research story from Australian parasitologists who publish in The International Journal for Parasitology is from collaborative researchers Nevi Parameswaran, Andrew Thompson, Shuting Pan and Michael Grigg and colleagues had their IJP article, "Nonarchetypal Type II-like and atypical strains of Toxoplasma gondii infecting marsupials of Australia" published in May 200. Be sure to to check out the other Editor's choices too.
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/L04_423.cws_home/main
Congratulations - Network Travel Award winners
Congratulations to JD Smyth Travel Award and Network Travel Award winners in the second round of the Award scheme for 200. JD Smyth Travel Award winner
Christopher Peatey, (QIMR) for a Researcher Exchange to La Trobe CoE for Coherent XRay Science to help the characterisation of two proteins for his malaria research.
Travel Award final Application date for 2010
The Network Researcher Exchange Training and Travel Award scheme has been an outstanding success and young researchers are particularly encouraged to apply for assistance. Final Closing Date for Network Travel Award applications in 2010 Friday 1 October 2010 Applications will be assessed by a specific assessment committee and applicants will be advised of the outcome, where possible, within 4 weeks. The best application from an eligible student in each round will be selected as a winner of the prestigious J.D. Smyth Postgraduate Travel Award. All applicants must be current ASP members to be eligible to apply for the Travel Awards. For more information see the Network website www.parasite.org.au/arcnet/funding Download an application form
www.parasite.org.au/arcnet/funding/travel_form.doc
Rowan Ikin, (UTS) was awarded the prestigious JD Smyth Postgraduate Travel Award for a Researcher Exchange to Application to support a research visit to Dr Mike Grigg, Chief of the Molecular Parasitology Unit and the National Institue of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, USA for research to take advantage of his expertise, technologies and facilities to yield important, fundamental insight into how helminths regulate inflammatory responses in the intestine.
The 20 ASP Annual Conference will be held in Cairns from Sunday 0th – Wednesday 3th July, at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. This conference will feature a fantastic line-up of speakers and events centred around the "One Health" concept. In May we submitted our Annual Report for 2009 to the ARC and, once again, it documents an extremely healthy discipline in Australia. Download a copy from the Network website www.parasite.org.au/arcnet/reports Finally, our final closing date for Network Travel Awards in 200 is Friday October 200, we hope to see lots of applications for the final round in 200. Nick Smith Convenor, ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology
Network Researcher Exchange, Training and Travel Award winners Caroline Lin Lin Chua, (University of Melbourne) for a Researcher Exchange to Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Madang, Papua New Guinea from 23 March 200 – November 200 for malaria research and training with the microscopy unit at PNGIMR, Madang. Rachael McGeorge, (QIMR) for a Researcher Exchange with Prof Ben Dunn at the University of Florida, USA to generate recombinant plasmepsin IX and to begin the process of obtaining a crystal structure for this enzyme. Nicole Kirchhoff, (Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania) for a Researcher Exchange to travel to the USA to visit Dr Barbara Block at the Tuna Research and Conservation Centre in Monterey Bay, California to study blood fluke Cardicola forestry in southern bluefin tuna. Catherine Gordon, (QIMR) for a Researcher Exchange for workshops and fieldwork at the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China and the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines for schistosomiasis research. Joel Barrett, (UTS) to attend the Parasitology and Tropical Medicine Masterclass, Melbourne, August 200 to gain practical experience in the preparation of stained smears for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites.
Guidelines for the Network Researcher Exchange, Training and Travel Awards can be found at
www.parasite.org.au/arcnet/funding/travel_guide.pdf
Eimeria tenella Image copyright 2007, D J P Ferguson, University of Oxford, UK is part of "Parasites in Focus" exhibition. ABN 65 979 686 445
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Profile - Network Travel Awardee
that it is linked to resistance to the antimalarial drug, quinine, has made sodium regulation an even more exciting and topical subject," Natalie said. to use, which will undoubtedly increase my chances of success to clone a tricky AT-rich 6kb gene!"
What did you do during your Researcher Exchange
Natalie, what did you enjoy about your Network Travel Award
Natalie Spillman (pictured above) is a PhD Student from the Research School of Biology at The Australian National University. Natalie won a Network Travel Award for a 3week Researcher Exchange to Dr Alex Maier's laboratory at the Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe University, Melbourne in May 200 for her Plasmodium research and talks to Lisa Jones about her Exchange.
Natalie, tell us about your research
"My Researcher Exchange was part of a larger collaboration between the Tilley and Maier labs at La Trobe, and the Saliba and Kirk labs at The Australian National University. One aspect of the collaboration is to look at the role of PfNHE in the malaria parasite. We are using several approaches to investigate the function of PfNHE. First, if I can work out the subcellular localisation of PfNHE, it will complement the functional characteristics I have determined using a sodiumsensitive, fluorescent dye. If that works out, I can examine whether overexpression or knockdown causes a shift in sensitivity to quinine or affects sodium regulation by the parasite," Natalie said.
"I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk to other group leaders and postdocs at La Trobe, both about my research and also regarding careers advice and my future in Parasitology," Natalie said.
"And I gave a talk about "Sodium regulation and glycolysis in the malaria parasite" to members of the La Trobe Parasitology community. I presented some of my PhD work so far, including new, previously un-presented work, which elicited much discussion. I hope to follow up on several points discussed," Natalie said.
"Alex Maier has expertise in cloning and I wanted to get experience in molecular techniques. I worked in Alex's lab at the Department of Biochemistry at La Trobe University for 3 weeks in May/June this year. During this time I started constructing vectors to transfect parasites for my experiments," Natalie said.
"I am now in the third year of my PhD – I can see a story forming and a body of research is coming together and the Network Researcher Exchange has helped this process," Natalie said.
"I'm interested in the 48 hour red blood cell stage of the malaria lifecycle and one of our interests in the Kirk lab is trying to understand the basic physiology of the parasite. The major focus of my research is the regulation of sodium in the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. By the time it matures there is a high concentration of sodium outside of the parasite. I'm looking at what transporters are involved in maintaining low sodium levels within the parasite. We think the way that Plasmodium regulates sodium is different to how human cells do it, and if it is using a different transporter it could be a potential new drug target," Natalie said.
"I am also interested in ion regulation in the invasive parasite stage, the merozoite, and last year on a previous Network Researcher Exchange I worked with Nick Klonis, also at La Trobe to learn the technique of flow cytometry. This technique enables me to specifically study small groups of cells within a whole population. Isolating pure preparations of merozoites is tricky, but using flow cytometry I can just focus on the population of small merozoites and ignore other contaminating cell types," Natalie said.
"I encourage other students to incorporate travel to another laboratory into their studies; the experience gives you exposure to different techniques and ways of approaching a problem. Visiting another lab also revived some of my motivation to persevere with my experiments and I was inspired upon my return home. I have kept in touch with both Nick and Alex at La Trobe. We discuss both positive results and problems I'm encountering – they are both enthusiastic and it is good to talk to others about your research career."
Natalie, what were the outcomes of your Network Travel Award
Plasmodium falciparum images courtesy Natalie Spillman, ANU.
"One transporter that may be a candidate for sodium efflux is the sodium/hydrogen exchanger or PfNHE. Although I am interested in the physiological role of PfNHE, the recent finding
"During the exchange, I learnt many molecular biology techniques used in cloning and transfection. I made some initial progress towards all four of my research goals and will now be able to follow this up at ANU. Most importantly, I learnt some troubleshooting skills
www.parasite.org.au
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News from OzEMalaR - Australia/Europe Malaria Research Cooperation
News from the Convenor
It has been an exciting start for OzEMalaR Australia/Europe Malaria Research Cooperation. We've launched our website www.ozemalar.org and are updating it currently so feedback is welcome. Email Lisa (lisa.jones@uts.edu.au) with your comments and suggestions. Our first round of OzEMalaR Travel Awards was very successful and congratulations to all the winners. We look forward to hearing about how those Researcher Exchanges went in the near future. Visit our website www.ozemalar.org to find out how you can apply for OzEMalaR Travel Awards to support early career malaria researchers (PhD and postdocs) from Australia to work and be trained in top European laboratories within EviMalaR (= BioMalPar) for malaria research. To check which laboratories are eligible as hosts visit www.evimalar.org. Download funding guidelines from the ozemalar website and start planning your researcher exchanges to utilise this great opportunity. Our next closing date for OzEMalaR Travel Awards is Friday 1st October 2010, we hope to see lots of applications including those eligible for OzEMalaR Travel Awards. My thanks to Lisa Jones for doing such a wonderful job of setting up the logo, web site, communications and co-ordinating the funding applications. Geoff McFadden Convenor, OzEMalaR Gaetan Burgio, (Menzies Research Institute Tasmania) for a Researcher Exchange to visit the Malaria biology and genetics unit, (Pr Robert Menard), Pasteur Institute Paris: from the 8th to the 9th of November 200; to attend a Bioinformatic and genomics of Plasmodium falciparum workshop: 22-23 November 200, Paris Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle; and visit Division of Parasitology (Jean Langhorne's group), National Institute for Medical Research, London, UK.
Congratulations - OzEMalaR Travel Award winners
Congratulations to OzEMalaR Travel Award winners in the first round of the Award scheme for 200.
Fiona Angrisano, (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute) for a Researcher Exchange for training and research at Imperial College, London with Prof Robert Sinden.
Justin Boddey, (Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) for a Researcher Exchange to undertake a short research project in Dr. Maria Mota's laboratory Institute of Molecular Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal.
Melanie Rug, (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute) for her Researcher Exchange collaboration with Drs. Marek Cyrklaff and Freddy Frischknecht at University of Heidelberg.
Plasmodium schizont, photo by Tonkin (University of Melbourne)
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2010 ASP Invited Lectureship Travel Awards
Prof Dominique Soldati-Favre
University of Geneva, an internationally recognised expert on the cell biology of Toxoplasma (see http://www.hhmi.org/research/ international/soldati_bio.html) 9 Aug UTS Sydney: Meetings with Nick Smith and colleagues at UTS Seminar at UTS in Science Building 4, Room 5.0 at am "Apicomplexan gliding motility: zoom in on the "Glideosome"" 10 Aug QIMR Brisbane: Seminar 3.00pm at QIMR - B floor meeting room CBRC Building. "New Genetic Techniques for apicomplexan parasites." 15-22 Aug ICOPA Melbourne : Plenary and Symposia talks; Chair Symposia 26 Aug hour lecture to students: research students and students enrolled in Aquatic Animal Health unit, also visiting TAFE staff) and staff at National Centre of Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability "Worms, germs and sea lice: an overview of fish disease research in British Columbia" 26-29 Aug University of Queensland: meetings with T Cribb, R Adlard and researchers, tour of facilities, discussions about fish parasite research and potential collaborations) Seminar "Risk of mortality to juvenile Pacific salmon caused by the salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis"
Dr Carlos Carmona
Professor, Parasite Biology Unit, Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Sciences, University of the Republic, Uruguay 11-12 Aug Charles Sturt University: meetings with T Spithill, N Sangster, D Jenkins, S Shamsi and students; tour of facilities; give Graham Centre seminar: "Towards a recombinant vaccine against ruminant fasciolosis: the case of M7 Leucine Aminopeptidase (FhLAP)" 13 Aug: Monash University: meetings with D Piedrafita, E Meeusen and students; give seminar as above 15-20 Aug: ICOPA Melbourne: Chair and co Chair Symposia; give talk.
Dr Simon Jones
Research Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, Canada 15-22 Aug ICOPA Melbourne : Symposia talk and co Chair Symposia 23-26 Aug Visit University of Tasmania: meetings with B Nowak and researchers, tour of facilities, discussions about fish parasite research and potential collaborations, in particular research on amoebic gill disease and sea lice
Congratulations
Congratulations to Don McManus (QIMR) who will be conferred with honorary membership of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, at the ASTMH 59th Annual Meeting Nov 3-7, 200 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in recognition of outstanding accomplishment by an "individual not an American citizen who has made eminent contributions to some phase of tropical medicine and hygiene". It is awarded only after careful consideration by the Honorary Membership Committee and unanimous approval by ASTMH Council. Congratulations to Nick Hunt and Roland Stocker (The University of Sydney) and colleagues for their recent Nature Medicine publication partly on malaria "Kynurenine is an endothelium-derived relaxing factor produced during inflammation" Nature Medicine, Vol 6:3 March 200. It also attracted a "News and Views" piece in the same issue of Nature Medicine. We will feature an interview with Nick and Roland in a future ASP newsletter.
www.parasite.org.au
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ASP Undergraduate Awards
Congratulations to Australian Society for Parasitology Undergraduate Prize winners at the University of Sydney, Monika Ling, Bronwyn Bonnette and Lani Burrell who attended the Prize Ceremony on 6th April, 200.
Monika Ling (University of Sydney) & Dr Jan Slapeta (ASP NSW State Representative)
Bronwyn Bonnette (University of Sydney) & Dr Jan Slapeta (ASP NSW State Representative)
Lani Burrell (University of Sydney) & Dr Jan Slapeta (ASP NSW State Representative)
Bancroft-Mackerras Medal guidelines
Nominations for Bancroft-Mackerras Medal
The Bancroft-Mackerras Medal may be awarded to a member of the Society who, in the opinion of the selection committee, has made an outstanding contribution to the science of parasitology, particularly in work published during the last five years. Nominations should be made by a proposer and seconder, and should consist of: A detailed statement of nomination describing the nature of the "outstanding contribution to the science of parasitology" for which he/she has been responsible. The statement should be signed by the proposer and seconder, or each may submit a separate statement. A curriculum vitae including a list of all publications. Note that the Medal is intended for members whose research program has been productive during the last five years. The permission of the nominee is not required and the nominee need not be aware of the nomination. Nominations should be sent direct to the current ASP Executive Secretary. Detailed information on nomination and selection procedures is given in the ByLaws of the ASP Constitution. Nominations are due each year at the end of September. See the latest jobs in parasitology on the Network website http://www.parasite.org.au/arcnet/jobs
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Awards
Fulbright Commission - U.S. Senior Specialist
The Fulbright Senior Specialist Program supports Australian educational institutions to bring U.S. Senior Specialists to Australia for a two to six week period in selected disciplines. The aim of the Fulbright Senior Specialist Program is to assist Australian educational institutions to exchange expertise and build collaborative linkages with United States faculty and professionals on curriculum and faculty development, institutional planning and a variety of other activities. In accordance with the Fulbright Program's aim of promoting mutual understanding between Australia and the Senior Specialist may also have the opportunity to participate in activities organised by the U.S. Embassy in Australia, the Australian-American Fulbright Commission and the Australian Fulbright Alumni Association. Grants can be used for: Economy class international air travel for the Specialist Honorarium of US$200 per day for a maximum of 6 weeks (42 days) for the Specialist, in addition, Australian host institutions are required to pay for accommodation, meals and in-country travel. Further Information, Guidelines and Application Form http://www.fulbright.com.au/scholarships/australian-institutions/us-senior-specialist.html
Closing Dates for ASP Awards
Network Travel Awards 1 October 2010 Bancroft-Mackerras Award 30 September 2010 (for award in 2011) JFA Sprent Prize 30 September 2010 ASP Fellowships By 9 January 2010 Visit the ASP website for more information www.parasite.org.au The common cat and dog flea, Ctenocephalides felis, image part of "Parasites in Focus" is courtesy of Russell Hobbs, Copyright Murdoch University 2007
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We are less than a week from the Opening of ICOPA XII in Melbourne. We are anticipating your arrival where you can catch up with all your Aussie colleagues and hunt down those international delegates you plan to start collaborations with! With over 700 delegates attending, ICOPA XII will be a wonderful scientific, cultural and social event for our members. We are pleased to advise that the Final Program is now available on the ICOPA XII website at www.icopaxii.org. Each day of the Congress will start with two Plenary speakers and we are sure that their broad topics will be of great interest to all of you – as several of the headline acts are from our own ranks! The Symposia cover the breadth of parasitology and we have added an additional Open sessions, which will enhance the scope of the Program. Also scheduled are a number of lively debates that will be held at lunch on Tuesday-Thursday. Poster sessions are an integral part of this conference for ideas and to forge new collaborations over a relaxing beverage! Monday-Thursday from 5:307:30pm is the place to be. Poster previews will be available each day during coffee breaks and lunch in anticipation of the main screening in the evening. We have also arranged an interesting and varied social program: full details are available on the website. The Welcome Event on Sunday night will be one to remember – for our international guests we have the appearance of several Australian animals – perhaps not so exciting, but given you get an opportunity to examine them closely perhaps you can discover a new parasite species! The conference dinner will certainly provide a great atmosphere with the opportunity for dancing to those that still feel young. There is also a lively public debate on Tuesday evening on global climate change and what is means for our favourite parasite with an expert international panel. The conference centre is located in the hub of wonderful gastronomic delights and sophisticated café's and we hope you all take the opportunity to experience Melbourne's hospitality. Friday 20 August offers two very special Plenary presentations as well as many interesting sessions and we hope you will be able to join us for the Closing ceremony where poster prizes will be presented and you can reminisce over images snapped during the week. We look forward to catching up with our members in Victoria and from interstate. Alan Cowman, David Piedrafita and Terry Spithill
PARA-SITE
educational, interactive, web-based parasite resource try it yourself at the "Parasites in Focus" exhibition at ICOPA or online
www.parasite.org.au
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Volume 2 Issue No. 3 August 200
A History of Parasitology
in Australia and Papua New Guinea
$30 for ASP members $70 for Non-ASP members available at the ASP booth during ICOPA
Parasites in Focus - ICOPA XII t-shirts
$20 and available exclusively at the ASP booth in the "Parasites in Focus" exhibition area during ICOPA
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IJP feature article
The Australian Woylie is a host for Toxoplasma gondii (both pictured left), but whether it is the reason for a population decline in a Woylie population in WA remains to be determined. Image courtesy Andrew Thompson (Murdoch University) and Michael Johnson (UTS).
Nevi Parameswaran, Andrew Thompson, Shuting Pan (Murdoch University), Michael Grigg and N. Sundar (National Institutes of Health, USA), and Michael Johnson and Nick Smith (University of Technology, Sydney) had their International Journal for Parasitology article, "Nonarchetypal Type II-like and atypical strains of Toxoplasma gondii infecting marsupials of Australia" published in May 200. Andy Thompson and Mike Grigg talked to Lisa Jones about their collaborative research.
Their article states that, "Australia is geographically isolated and possesses a remarkable diversity of wildlife species. Marsupials are highly susceptible to infection with the cosmopolitan parasite Toxoplasma gondii." Andy, Mike, tell us your story and tell us why it is important Andy says, "For us, the story began 6-7 years ago, through a good collaboration with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). One of their roles is to protect threatened, Australian native animals. A few years ago they observed a decline of the population of woylies in an area that previously had a healthy population. DEC are a really research driven conservation agency so they organised a disease council to establish if there was a disease association with this decline. It was at this point that we became involved and, when we compared the declining population with a healthy population, we found that one thing that the healthy ones didn't have was the parasite, Toxoplasma." "We subsequently broadened our survey of
native species and were seeing Toxoplasma in almost every sample we took. As we could only work on animals who had died, we developed a technique whereby we took core tissue samples from frozen animals," Andy said. "In particular, Nevi and Shuting have undertaken surveys on kangaroos, which are often culled, and found the prevalence of Toxoplasma was 20-00% in different populations of wildlife in WA without any obvious clinical effects." "There were reports saying that Australian wildlife were highly susceptible to Toxoplasma infection but these reports were all in captive animals. I suspect that Toxoplasma becomes clinically significant if animals are stressed, which can happen to them in captivity," Andy said. "The story of Woylies is complicated," Andy said. "The woylie population in decline also showed elevated levels of trypanosomes, and we really need to investigate the factors of their decline more closely. We're not convinced that parasites are necessarily the cause of the decline. Maybe they're a symptom and some
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other stress that affects the immune system and, hence, parasite burden may be at work," Andy said. "Polyparasitism could be a factor, so we're starting to look at co-incidences of Toxoplasma, trypanosomes and other endo- and ectoparasites with Alan Lymberry (Murdoch), Andy Smith (Murdoch/DEC) Keith Morris and Adrien Wayne (DEC)." Mike says, "My collaboration with Andy, Nevi, Shuting, Nick and Mike (Johnson), really took off in 2007 when Nevi, who was doing her PhD with Andy at the time, received a Network Travel Award for a Researcher Exchange to visit my lab at the National Health Institutes, in Bethesda to find out whether the Toxoplasma in woylies was different to strains described in Australian domestic animals. But I'd been interested in Toxoplasma in wildlife for much longer than that – in the 990s, I had collaborated with Melissa Miller and Pat Conrad (University of California, Davis) to investigate a massive infectious diseaserelated decline in sea otter populations along the California coastline. The otter populations had been absolutely devastated. Protozoan encephalitis was a major cause of infectious disease-related death, the question was, what was the infective agent Both Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma were found," Mike said, "And, most intriguingly, the strain of Toxoplasma that we found was very unusual, so I began to think that we needed to be looking at other unusual sites and host species around the world." "What I really like about our collaboration," Mike said, "Is that, in 2006, Tovi Lehmann's PNAS paper stated he had sampled "globally" - BUT Australia was missing. So this research was a way of filling in the gaps, of filling in a void in population genetics," Mike said. "Also, I love the thrill of the chase," Mike said, "And I thought learning more about marsupials and native Australian animals would be great fun!"
Andy says, "Nevi's trip to the NIH was a turning point. Nevi and Mike found there was far more diversity than we had anticipated." Their article states, "Of 46 marsupials screened for T. gondii by multilocus PCR-DNA sequencing at polymorphic genes (B, SAG3, GRA6, GRA7), 2 were PCR-positive; the majority (67%; 9/2) were infected by non-archetypal Type II-like or atypical strains. Six novel alleles were detected at B, indicating greater diversity of genotypes than previously envisaged. Two isolates lethal to marsupials, were avirulent to mice. The data support the conclusion that Australia's isolation may have favoured the persistence of nonarchetypal ancestral genotypes." This collaboration has been really exciting," says Andy, "We never expected to see such diversity; never expected it to be so common; and never expected to see so many novel strains. It throws up all sorts of interesting questions about how long Toxoplasma may have been in Australia and how it got here." So, Andy, how old is this strain of Toxoplasma and what is driving genetic diversity "This is an exciting topic, because I don't think that the level of genetic diversity can be explained by the time of introduction of the cat. Toxoplasma diversity is generally thought to result largely from the sexual reproduction of the parasite that takes place only in felines; however, we are seeing so much diversity in places where there are few feral cats," Andy said. Mike is not so sure. "The Toxoplasma strains found in Australia are like Type II strains but not quite a Type II. It looks like a 'drifted' Type II strain to me. So, I think this Toxoplasma strain was introduced when European settlers colonised the world. I could imagine that this Toxoplasma strain originated from Europe and was introduced 300-400 years ago with the introduction of felines to Australia," Mike said. "Geographic isolation and an unusual
intermediate host species range could be sufficient to see a drifted Type II strain of Toxoplasma. Whilst I believe that the cat is the ultimate generator of diversity in the genetic make-up of Toxoplasma, because it is in the cat that the parasite has a sexual phase, I think it could be the intermediate host generating the diversity in Australia – with such a range of marsupials, some strains of Toxoplasma might be more suitable for some species than others and, so, natural selection results in the appearance of a diverse array of drifted Type II or unusual strains," Mike said. "We might need to look at mitochondrial markers to track gene polymorphisms in apicoplast and mitochondria to resolve this question," Mike said So, what next "The next 5-6 years will be extremely exciting. DEC are committed to ensuring this research continues, not just on Toxoplasma but on a range of parasites. We have 4-5 new PhD students who are starting to get a handle on their impact on wildlife health, ecology and genetic diversity and what is driving it. And we are looking at behaviour and synergism with other parasites," Andy said. "We suspect that some strains of Toxoplasma are more virulent than others, and we want to compare these phenotypically and genetically, which will help us to gauge the potential for virulent outbreaks of Toxoplasma to occur in wildlife," Andy said. Mike agrees. "Type II Toxoplasma strains, isolated from marsupials, behaved differently in mice than Type II Toxoplasma strains from France. We want to know why…why is their effect so different " Mike said, "I'd also like to know if the atypical strains we see in marsupials are present in humans. Currently, we are looking at human specimens with Nick Smith and Mike Johnson at UTS to see what is circulating in Australia."
International Journal for Parasitology
Impact Factor 3.819* *Journal Citation Reports published by Thomson Reuters, 2010 www.elsevier.com/locate/ijpara ICOPA XII August 2010 special issue includes: Cellular architecture of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes Eric Hanssen, Paul J. McMillan, Leann Tilley Parasites, emerging disease and wildlife conservation R.C.A Thompson, A.J. Lymbery, A. Smith Parasitic diseases of remote Indigenous communities in Australia Deborah C. Holt, James S. McCarthy, Jonathan R. Carapetis
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Events : Parasites in Focus
Parasites in Focus
The Program
The Program, The Exhibition, The Competition
The Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) in collaboration with the ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology and The Australian Society for Parasitology is the Melbourne home for the exhibition titled "Parasites in Focus". The exhibition runs from August 7th to August 2th. Teachers are invited to a special viewing of the exhibition on Monday 9th August from 5.00pm—6.00pm. This exciting Outreach event at GTAC will be launched by Marshall Lightowlers (The University of Melbourne). And, we gratefully acknowledge the incredible work done by Tony Chiovitti (GTAC), who has prepared an outstanding program of wetlabs, quizes, and interactive exercises for Victorian school students. We're also indebted to Ian Beveridge (The University of Melbourne) for his expert advice especially in putting together a microscopy workshop.
Tuesday 0th August
A full day program in which students investigate how liver flukes find their host snails, examine the larvae of the bot fly and use DNA testing to identify Plasmodium species. Students will also visit the exhibition and hunt for clues amongst the parasites on show to answer the question, What proportion of animal species are parasites
"Parasites in Focus" at the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) The University High School Story Street, Parkville, Melbourne Viewing Times General Public Monday 9th, Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th 3.00pm – 5.00pm School Groups Students complete a task based upon the exhibition Monday 9th, Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th 10.00am – 3.00pm Special Viewing for Teachers Monday 9th August: 5.00pm – 6.00pm
The Exhibition Saturday 7th - Thursday 2th August
Explore twenty-six superb photographic prints showing the amazing microscopic world of the parasite accompanied by three hands-on parasite exhibits: parasite game show "Who's my host ", "Virtual microscope" and "Real microscope" to view parasites close up in all their glory. In addition, visitors can view the stunning animations of the life cycle of the malaria parasite by BAFTA and Emmy award winning Drew Berry, renowned biomedical animator, on GTAC's big screen.
After featuring at GTAC and ICOPA XII "Parasites in Focus" exhibition will move to the Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga, NSW. Twenty-six superb photographic prints showing the amazing world of parasitology accompanied by four hands-on parasite exhibits: compete in the parasite game show "Who's my host " and explore lots of different parasites found in Australia and around the world using "The microscopic world of parasites", "Look closer at parasites", "Parasitic lifecycles" exhibits. Check Network Events on our website to find out when Parasites in Focus will be at a venue near you, or contact Lisa (Lisa.Jones@uts.edu. au) if you would like to host the exhibition.
Malaria parasite image from "Parasites in Focus". Copyright 2007 D J P Ferguson, University of Oxford, UK.
http://www.parasite.org.au/arcnet/events
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Events
Parasitology Master Class
Have you registered to attend the exciting Parasitology Master Class to be held on August 14 & 15th at RMIT Melbourne International experts such as Lynne Garcia will help national experts in running the Master Class. There is something for both beginners (Basic class) as well as anyone wanting to learn the latest in molecular diagnostics in parasitology (Advanced class). Why not further enhance the experience by presenting a poster. If you have seen an interesting case or are doing research in Parasitology or Tropical Medicine, this is your chance to share it with your colleagues. There are fantastic prizes for the best poster presentations. Details of the class & poster submission are available at: http://www.parasitologymasterclass.org/
ASP membership website
renew your membership or join online
http://asp.wildapricot.org
ASP secretariat 50 Kansas Drive Tolland, NSW 2650 Fax 03 9005 2824 E: pwynn@internode.on.net
Conference news
2011 ASP Annual Conference will be held in Cairns Sunday 10th July – Wednesday 13th July
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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/- 50 Kansas Drive Tolland, NSW 2650 Or Fax 03 9005 2824 Or Email: pwynn@internode.on.net
ASP Membership number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Name as it appears on present mailing label (if possible, please enclose the old mailing label) ................................... .... ..... Contact details for future mailing labels: Title. . . . . . . . . . . Postal Address ............................................. ............................................. ........................................ ..... ......................................... .... State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postcode. . . . . . . . . Tel: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FAX: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Surname. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Jobs in parasitology
Macquarie University PhD Scholarship
Is microbial diversity necessary for ecosystems to function A PhD scholarship is available for three years to study the diversity of microbes in groundwater. Groundwater ecosystems contain a unique and largely unexplored microbial flora, housing the potential for novel biological discoveries. Microbial communities are the foundation of the groundwater ecosystem and provide the essential ecosystem service of removing nutrients from groundwater and improving water quality. This study will examine how the ability to fulfil this function is related to the diversity of microbes such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa in the community. This study will provide modern professional training in water-related laboratory technology and management concepts relating to this very valuable natural resource. The project will involve field sampling across NSW and laboratory work, combining molecular fingerprinting, functional gene analysis, molecular-based taxonomy and phylogenetic analyses to quantify ecosystem function, and assess diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes. Diversity will be assessed across a range of groundwater ecosystems and related to both environmental conditions and ecosystem function. This project is a collaboration between Macquarie University, UTS and the University of Cologne, Germany. The scholarship is available to domestic candidates only. The successful candidate will have either a first class Honours degree, or an MSc (by research), a current drivers license, plus experience in either molecular analysis, microbial ecology or groundwater studies. Applicants should submit a cover letter detailing relevant experience, a CV and an academic transcript to the principal supervisor: Dr Grant Hose, email: grant. hose@mq.edu.au telephone: +61 2 9850-6296 The 2010 full-time stipend rate is $22,500 pa tax exempt for 3.5 years. For further information contact:
Dr Grant Hose Grant.Hose@mq.edu.au (02) 9850 6296 or Prof John Ellis John.Ellis@uts.edu.au (02) 9514 4161
Network Mentorship Scheme
Early career researchers are encouraged to apply to the Network Convenor (nick.smith@ uts.edu.au), in strict confidence, for funding to participate in the Network Mentorship Scheme. The scheme allows young investigators to be paired with experienced, successful researchers to discuss, plan, prioritise and set targets for their career. Typically, the early career researcher will fly to the institute of a senior parasitologist and spend a day there. Arrangements for professional development and progress to be reviewed by the pair annually can also be arranged. Importantly, mentors need not be from an individual's home institution but can be drawn from across the Network. The scheme has proved very valuable for several young researchers and their mentors already. Photographs are part of "Parasites in Focus" exhibition. Top is a tapeworm called Rhinebothrium, image courtesy of Clinton Chambers, The University of QLD (Australia). Middle is a tapeworm, and bottom paired schisosomes, images courtesy of Mal Jones, Queensland Institute of Medical Research and The University of QLD (Australia)
To apply, simply write to Nick Smith (nick.smith@ uts.edu.au) with a brief outline of your research interests and aspirations. you can also indicate a preferred mentor or ask Nick for advice on whom amongst the Network participants may be most suitable.
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2010 Mid Term Meeting of the ASP Draft Minutes
2010 Mid Term Council Meeting
UTS City Campus Broadway ULTIMO NSW 2007
Friday 15 January 2010
MINUTES of Mid Term Council Meeting 15 Jan 2010
1. PRESENT AND APOLOGIES
PRESENT
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. President Vice President Treasurer ACT Councillor NSW Councillor NT Councillor SA Councillor VIC Councillor QLD Councillor WA Councillor Incorporations Secretary IJP Editor * BMM * Newsletter Editor * Network * ICOPA X11 Chair * Membership secretariat Terry Spithill Peter Holdsworth Nick Sangster Simon Cobbold Jan Slapeta Deborah Holt Sarah Catalano (in place of Kate Hutson) Bernd Kalinna Tamsin Barnes Amanda Ash Katharine Trenholme Alex Loukas Andrew Thompson Lisa Jones Nick Smith Alan Cowman Maree Conway
APOLOGIES * Archivist TAS Councillor * Webmaster Executive Secretary *Non Voting The President welcomed Council members to the Mid Term Meeting and called for any extra items to be added to the agenda. Julie-Anne Fritz Brendan McMorran Jason Mulvenna Michelle Powers
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2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 2. 2009 End of Term Minutes (Lisa Jones)
The End of Term Meeting (ETM) Minutes from 2 July 2009 at Sydney have been provided separately. PROPOSED: SECONDED: Terry Spithill Nick Sangster The Council accepted the minutes of the ETM of 12 July 2009 as a true and accurate record.
2.2
2009 AGM (Lisa Jones)
The AGM minutes from July 2009 at Sydney were noted.
3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MEETINGS
3.1 2009 ETM Business Arising (Terry Spithill)
Action List for End of Term Meeting held on Sunday 12 July 2009 at the University of Sydney Action Incoming Executive Secretary to check the expiry date for the Secretariat Agreement. Incoming Treasurer to change budget for newsletter to $1,500 Jason Mulvenna to upload the conference abstracts from the CD to the ASP website and make them searchable. Person Michelle P Nick S Jason M Response Completed Completed 21/01/10 Lisa J has sent 2009 ASP conference abstracts to secretariat to upload to the ASP members section of the Wild Apricot website so that only ASP members have access to abstracts. Completed 21/01/10 Completed The constitution be amended to remove the requirement for the BMM winner to be announced in the journal. Completed: summary of tenure of members to be tabled Completed – see Presidents report
Jason Mulvenna to add a link from the ASP website to the membership website Deborah Holt to obtain password and access to the website as a backup Incoming Executive Secretary at the next opportunity amend the constitution about the citation for the BMM winner being required to be published in the IJP Andrew Thompson to check the membership status of the BMM Committee and provide a summary to Council Incoming President to advise the ARC/NHMRC Network that ASP has agreed to provide an additional $120,000 per annum on top of the existing $50,000 per annum Incoming President to set up a meeting to organise a Strategic Plan Incoming President to advise the ICOPA XII Organising Committee that they will be paid the $30,000 Alex Loukas to investigate the possibility of holding the 2011 Conference in Cairns Brendan McMorran to investigate the possibility of holding the 2011 Conference in Tasmania Incoming Executive Secretary to advise Charles Sturt University and Macquarie University that their respective requests for funding have been successful. Incoming President to thank Nick Sangster for his update on the book and ask if he can provide an inventory and account of money
Jason M Jason M Michelle P.
Andrew T
Terry S
Terry S Terry S Alex L
Completed and discussed later Completed Nick Smith and Lisa Jones exploring venues in Cairns to hold the 2011 ASP Annual Conference in Cairns. Not required Undergraduate scholarships advice completed Nick Sangster will return the balance of funding shortly to the ASP. Status of the book: on-hold.
Brendan M Michelle P
Terry S
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spent so far. Incoming President to advise Peter O'Donoghue that the request for $7,500 has been agreed to complete PARA-SITE Incoming Treasurer to arrange creditcard facilities at ICOPA ASP booth Incoming Executive Secretary to arrange a ASP complimentary booth at the ICOPA XII Conference Terry S Nick S Michelle P Book had been planned, some draft chapters written, there was an image database and a checklist for parasites. Completed: invoice received and paid Discussed later in meeting Completed, ASP can market anything, Would like History of Parasitology in Australia & PNG book to be sold at ICOPA. Nick Sangster to review the need for credit card point of sale facilities at the ASP booth. Not completed. David Jenkins to check if existing insurance covers international conferences. Executive will sign off on extra insurance if required. Replace the term "mail" with "mail or electronic communication". This was be voted on in August at the AGM and ASP members need to be notified by mail about the proposed amendment 30 days prior; however, we missed the deadline; to be done at 2011 AGM. Completed Completed
Incoming Executive Secretary to complete arrangements for Liability insurance.
Michelle P
Incoming Executive Secretary to include the change to Article III, Section 2, para 9 – "in writing, by mail or email" with the next Constitutional change.
Michelle P
Incoming Treasurer to include the $5,000 for 2 years in the budget Rebecca Traub to provide more detail about the request for funding for the ASM/ASP SIG on Tropical Medicine
Nick S Katharine T/Rebecca T
Executive Secretary interim is Lisa Jones until Michelle Power can advise whether she will be able to resume duties after 4 April 200. Lisa Jones is helping short-term. Michelle P. advised she would prefer to retire. David Jenkins agreed to replace Lisa Jones as Executive Secretary for February-August 200.
Handover The contract with the current Secretariat, Maree Conway, has expired. Maree will continue as Secretariat for a further 3 months and then she will be stepping down. Council discussed strategies for finding a new secretariat. A smooth handover from the previous Executive occurred on 27 and 30 July 2009 with Peter Holdsworth, Heather Koch, Michelle Power, Nick Sangster and myself attending. A big thanks to Heather and Peter for the terrific effort in ensuring things went well. Details for postage and banking have been updated.
Sarah Catalano is representing South Australia. Kate Hutson is moving to Queensland.
Action: Deborah H will find previous applications for managing the ASP membership and distribute to Council.
ARC/NHMRC Network At the End of Term Meeting in July the Executive was given responsibility to bring the Network activities within the ASP umbrella, to negotiate a new agreement with UTS to host the Network, to ensure we continue to capture the benefits of Network activities and to maintain the
Action: Sarah C will contact South Australian colleagues and will discuss nominations for a South Australian Representative and report back to ASP Council. A call for nominees has been sent to SA members by email.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS 4. President's Report (Terry Spithill)
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Coordinator position. An agreement with UTS is now complete for the next two years. The first payment to UTS of $85,000 will be made in January 200. agreed that more frequent smaller Newsletters are better received so Lisa will prepare six Newsletters each year. Association President has kindly agreed to attend to provide some outside thinking. ICOPA XII The final Newsletter for 2009 was issued in December and was delayed due to the unforeseen circumstances described above. Lisa Jones kindly agreed to generate the Newsletter at short notice which was very much appreciated by the Executive. Plans for ICOPA XII continue apace. The Program is almost finalised and we have an eminent group of invited Plenaries, Chairs and Headline speakers. Brown Besier has assembled an excellent Program for the Workshops on "Novel approaches to the control of helminth parasites of livestock" with 24 invited speakers: this promises to be a highlight of the meeting. Updates can be seen at www.icopaxii.org. We are delighted that DNDi have agreed to sponsor two Symposia at ICOPA XII in the areas of "Malaria chemotherapy" and the "DNDi model for drug discovery programs of neglected diseases". Several keynote speakers will give state-of-the-art presentations in these Symposia which will be of broad interest to delegates. As Alan Cowman will report, fund raising is going well with support from agencies such as the Wellcome Trust, WHO/TDR, Gates Foundation, Burroughs Wellcome, DNDi, MLA, IJP, and several companies: this will greatly support travel awards for delegates from developing countries.
Network activities are now integrated within the ASP and I am delighted that Lisa Jones has agreed to continue as Communications and Strategic Development Coordinator and Nick Smith has agreed to serve as Convenor. Nick and Lisa will both serve on Council as non-voting members. To streamline award administration, Lisa and Nick will administer the J.D. Smyth Postgraduate Travel Awards; Researcher Exchange, Training and Travel Awards; the ASP Student Travel Grants and the ASP Invited Lectureship Travel Grants on behalf of the ASP.
It was agreed by Council that the planned Extraordinary ASP General Meeting will be held over until the next AGM at ICOPA to conserve funds.
Strategic Planning Exercise We are in the process of establishing the Network Management Committee (NMC) which will comprise the Network Convenor, the Network Communications and Development Coordinator, the three members of the ASP Executive, the Chief Investigator of the OzEMalR collaborative initiative and up to two other members of the ASP. To reduce costs, the NMC will meet annually face to face at the ASP annual conference and otherwise by conference call. ASP Council established that the goals for the Network are to: further the strategic development of Australian parasitology research; to assess applications for the awards described above; to raise the awareness of Australian parasitology with the general public through the development of outreach initiatives. In terms of reporting, the Network will prepare six Newsletters per annum for the ASP membership and an annual report for the ASP members, to be submitted by March 3 each year, covering activities, progress against goals and a budget report. Interim Executive Secretary Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, Michelle Power has been unable to perform her Executive Secretary duties since Nov 2009. The Executive agreed to invite Lisa Jones to act in that position as interim Executive Secretary. We are very grateful to Lisa for agreeing to take on this additional important role at short notice. The plans for the Strategic Planning Exercise are well advanced. To ensure a professional outcome, Council approved the contracting of Maree Conway of Thinking Futures to facilitate the Exercise. Maree is familiar with the ASP through her Secretariat duties. She has facilitated and managed futures-focused strategy projects and workshops in national and international environments for Universities, professional associations, government Departments and business organisations.
Maree conducted a Web survey of members in Nov-Dec 2009: we received 57 completed surveys (and a larger number of incomplete surveys) with a valuable range of comments (3.5% of members). I thank those members who took the time to respond. This survey will now be considered by the Strategic Planning Committee and Council and then will be made available to members. The next steps are to conduct a scan of the global environmental trends that affect the ASP, prepare a President's Issues Paper to identify challenges facing the ASP and conduct a Strategic Planning Workshop on 7-8 February 200 in Melbourne where we meet as a group to discuss the issues brought up by ASP members and project the ASP's future. A final report from Thinking Futures is due to Council in late February 200.
The ICOPA Organising Committee is sending out regular broadcast emails with updates on the Conference. We are asking all members to keep raising the awareness of ICOPA and encourage collaborators and students to attend. As is our usual custom, we will be offering ASP Student Travel Grants to ASP student members registered at an Australian University.
Terry Spithill 2 Jan 200
The President's Report was accepted as presented. PROPOSED: SECONDED: Nick Sangster Alex Loukas
Newsletter With Michelle Power stepping down as Editor, Council has approved the co-opting of Lisa Jones as Newsletter Editor from Jan 200 under Article IV, Section of the ASP Constitution. As Editor, Lisa will serve on Council as a non-voting member until the next AGM at ICOPA XII in August 200 when we will call for nominees. We
The Executive invited a wide cross section of ASP members to participate, not all of whom were able to attend. Confirmed attendees to date are: Terry Spithill; Nick Sangster; Nick Smith; Lisa Jones; Alex Loukas; Denise Doolan; Deb Holt; Kate Hutson; Mark Sandeman; Ian Beveridge; Vern Bowles; Amanda Ash; James McCarthy; Geoff McFadden. Ian Sutherland, current NZ
Terry S gave some updates to the Council about ICOPA. MMV was approached to support ICOPA. Terry asked if everyone was receiving broadcast emails from the ICOPA committee. Currently these emails are being circulated to WFP societies, anyone who registered their interest, George Cross's Kinetoplastid Network. Council discussed the fact that the person sending these emails was often not known to recipients and may end up in the recipient's junk folder or deleted.
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Action: Terry S to organise for ARC/ NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology participants to receive email updates. as transfers are complete. lower after the next two years. Funding for Undergraduate Prizes and Student Travel Awards for ICOPA require discussion. Action: Terry S to ask for the email address from ICOPA broadcasts to be from the ICOPA organising committee. The Sprent Award Term Deposit is invested at just 2% and is due for reinvestment on Feb 200. I hope to find a more attractive rate and improve returns significantly.
Terry S discussed the President-elect candidates and will be nominating Denise Doolan from QIMR. Denise has accepted to be nominated. There were no other names presented by council as nominees for President-elect.
Action: Terry S to nominate Denise Doolan, QIMR as President-elect.
4.2 Treasurer's Report (Nick Sangster)
Accounts ASP operates three CBA accounts for its activities plus a Term Deposit and an iPAC investment account. The accounting period is st May to 30th April and so reports are interim and span st May to 30th December 2009. The accompanying table provides current balances of accounts. I have not yet reconciled the cheques (see below) so I present balances only.
The iPAC investment Account grew in market value in the June and September quarters, although a portion of the capital was withdrawn during this time. It is hoped that the income from this account plus IJP royalties will meet all but our general expenses in the future and allow the fund to stay stable. The future and nature of this investment needs to be considered following the strategic planning workshop. It is currently in an 'inflation plus 4%' mode, however, we may wish to move to an income assured investment in the future. Income and expenditure The Income and Expenditure summary ignores GST and so only presents net values. Numbers in ( ) are estimates. Negatives are in red. Significant income (and expenditure) was due to a grant for ICOPA from the Melbourne Convention Bureau.
The Working Account has borne most of the expenses and has been boosted by a transfer of $90,000 from the iPAC Investment account. We are able to claim back GST and this has resulted in significant rebates ($8,000) this year.
There has been a proposal to increase membership fees. It is clear that just running the Society (outside any sponsorship or prizes) costs a lot more than we collect from membership. The shortfall is approximately $0,000. While we can trim costs in ways such as by producing electronic communications etc. the costs will tend to increase. Further, much of the work performed gratis or through institutions in the past may be less readily available in the future. I recommend we increase fees by about 30% and consider the best mechanism to do this. Budget Estimates for the current year (May 2009 to April 200) were taken from Council Minutes. This budget delivers a loss of about $27,000 for the year. The budgets including the forward projection for 200-20 require approval from Council.
The #2 Account is used by local conference organizers. I have struggled to understand all the movements but we have the paperwork. It has now had signatories transferred to Lisa Jones and Nick Smith for them to carry out ASP activities outside the network funding. I have some concerns about this account as the Treasurer carries responsibility but has no control. I suggest the Treasurer becomes a signatory and has access to online records. I also have to register this account for GST so we can claim back any GST paid. ICOPA organizers do not need such a facility. We may need to make arrangements for the 20 conference.
By way of explanation, I have added some items that may require discussion. There is an allowance for accounting. This has become a very complex issue especially with GST, the preparation of BAS statements. I propose employing an accountant to put our accounts on to a program like MyOB so automatic reports can be generated, cheques reconciled and the records can be passed on to the next Treasurer. Ongoing costs should be
The ICOPA Account was established specifically for transfers from the Melbourne Conference Bureau in accord with the contract. It costs $5 per month to maintain, so we will close it as soon
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All Accounts
ASP mid term meeting Jan 2010
CASH MANAGEMENT (WORKING) ACCOUNT - CBA PREMIUM BUSINESS ACCOUNT Balance at 30 April 2009 $181,580.37
Balance 30 Dec 2009
All Accounts
ACCOUNT # 2 (Conference account) - CBA PREMIUM BUSINESS ACCOUNT Balance as at 30 April 2009 $ 88,694.65
Balance 30Dec 2009
$132,585.63 16,902.55 12.33
ICOPA Account (Conference account) - CBA PREMIUM BUSINESS ACCOUNT
Balance 30 Dec 2009
Transaction Balance at 31st March 2009
Investment earnings Balance at 30th June 2008 Investment earnings Withdrawal to working account Balance at 30th September 2009 Investment earnings
iPAC Investment Account Credit
44,293
Debit
Balance
$390,343.83
$ 412,552.81 48,269 90,000 $ 370,822.22 10,165
Balance at 31st December 2008 Balance on 31st December 2009
Balance on 30th April 2009
SPRENT TERM DEPOSIT
$ 381,307.59
$ 54,595.07
55,052.78 132,585.63 16,902.55 381,307.59 55,052.78 $585,848.55
TOTAL BALANCE (all accounts) as at end of available statements (to 30 Apr 09) Working account Account #2 (Conference) iPAC investment Sprent account Total
(Balance at 30 April 2009 was $715213.92)
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Income and Expenditure
Income and Expenditure
INCOME
2008-2009 Actual and (Budget) 20092010
Notes
20102011
Main Income Members Subscriptions IJP Journal Royalty TOTAL Interest Income Interest from Working Account Interest from Account #2 interest from Sprent Term Deposit TOTAL Investment Income Dividend income iPAC investment Account Change in market value iPAC investment TOTAL Conference Income Conference registrations
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ -$ $
28,195.97 173,235.14 201,431.11 4,375.71 1,133.97 3,892.47 9,402.15 37,174.43 176,208.59 139,034.16 78,218.38
6446 (30,000) (175,000) (205,000) 308(500) (500) (1300) (2300)
(30,000) (175,000) (205,000) (500) 2% interest til 1 Feb 2010 (200) (4000) (4700)
102,727 (120,000) (120,000) 106,051
(100,000) (100,000)
Conference sponsorship TOTAL Other Income Other income History of Parasitology sales
$ $ $
62,085.11 140,303.49 3,590.30
200,000 306,051
From Melbourne Convention Centre ICOPA
(100,000)
(100,000)
Vet Para text refund TOTAL
Total Income
$ $
3,590.30 215,692.89
(12,000) ( 12,000) (645,351)
To be sold to members, delegates at ICOPA From N. Sangster
(10,000)
(10,000) (419,700)
EXPENSES
General Expenses Audit Fees Accounting Insurance ASP - Newsletter Bank Fees/charges Postage (excl Newsletter) Web site and hosting End Term Council Meeting 2009 Mid Term Council Meeting 2010 ASP Executive Handover Meeting 2009 Executive costs for 2009-10, 2010-11 Science meets Parliament Secretariat Fees - Thinking Futures
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$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
2,545.00 1,208.72 4,796.22 1,708.12 557.06 7,278.36 5,495.15 3,645.69 313.64 13,740.43
(3000) (4000) (3000) 404(1500) 249 (1000) 413 (500) 245 3,601 (6,000) 1,660 (5,000) 400 7996(14,000)
Evaluation underway See ETM 2009 minutes
(3000) (4000) (3500) (1500) (1000) (500) 300 (4000) (6000) (5000) (500) (12,000)
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See ETM 2009 minutes
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Strategic Planning Workshop Total General Expenses Prizes and Awards JD Smyth Travel Awards Travel Grants Undergraduate Student Prizes JFA Sprent Prize Total Prizes and Awards Conference Expenses ASP Conference Student Travel (2008/9) ASP Travelling Lectureships (2010) ASP Conference 2008 ASP Conference 2009 ICOPA Conference Total Conference Expenses Subscriptions Subscriptions - FASTS Subscriptions - ASMR Subscriptions - WFOP (paid until 2010) Total Subscriptions Research ARC research network History of Parasitology Intimate Aliens Malaria in Melbourne Parasitology website Total Research Total Expenses Operating Profit / (Loss) Net Profit / (Loss) $41,288 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 9,821.10 1,500.00 4,000.00 5,000.00 20,321.10 40,339.27 10,702.43 168,673.98 - $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 219,715.68 1,295.45 405.82 1,701.27 53,489.74 22,540.00 27,272.72 1305 (12,000) (55,906) 4454 (10,000) 800 (4,000) 0 (14,000) 28764 See ETM 2009 mins (10,000) (4000) 0 (14000) (50,000) (9,000)
For 2011 AGM
194,323 220,000 443,087 1884 420 2304
200K MC , 20K ASP
(110,000) (169,000) (2000) (450) (200) (2650)
103,302.46 386,328 170,636
(85,000) 37506 27272 500 (7500) (157,778) (673075) 27,724
UTS Agreement
(170,000) (20,000)
ETM Mins
(190,000)
The Treasurer's report was accepted by Council.
PROPOSED: Alex Loukas SECONDED: Bernd Kalinna
currently around 7%. The Sprent term deposit expires on Feb 200 and Nick Sangster will look for a better interest rate than the current 2%. Sprent account needs to be earning $5000 over 3 years. We need to lower our expectations of the return from Elsevier due to the strong AU$.
2 Account to transfer balance and close account.
Nick Sangster went through the budget. Council discussed the need to strike more BM medals and has set aside $3000 for this in the budget.
Nick Sangster discussed the current complicated accounting system for ASP finances and proposed spending money to establish an accounting system.
Nick suggested that the iPAC investments, currently invested at inflation + 4%, be held and discussed at the ASP Strategic Planning meeting in February 200. ASP need to determine what level of risk they are willing to take. Nick suggested that a term deposit interest rate is
Nick Sangster discussed the ASP No. 2 Account, used for Conference funds and payments. Nick explained that this account was unconstitutional and that it needed to be closed with the balance transferred into the ASP Main Account. Council will have to discuss future conference accounting and have to determine a better financial accounting arrangement for the 20 ASP Annual Conference in Cairns.
Council discussed increasing the ASP Student Travel Grant budget to attend ICOPA due to higher registration costs for students than previous ASP conferences (Student registration at ICOPA is $450). Council approved an increase to $50,000 for the ASP Student Travel Grants for 200.
Action: Nick Sangster to coordinate with current account holders of the ASP No.
Action: Nick Sangster to increase the 2010 ASP Student Travel grant budget to $50,000.
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Council agreed to support 3 ASP Travelling lectureships for 200 and allocated $9000 budget; it is expected that each lecturer will also be supported from ICOPA funds. there will be no earlybird discounts and Council agreed that there should have an inflationary component in the membership fee structure. Action: Nick Sangster will circulate an updated budget to Council. Katharine T proposed that the membership fee include an adjustment in line with CPI each year.
Council discussed the cost of running the ASP, currently $4,000 p.a., and the income from ASP membership fees, currently about $30,000. Council agreed to propose a graduated increase in membership fees, over the next 5 years, at the August AGM to cover costs of running the Society. Proposed fee increases are: Normal member increase to $50 (currently $80) and Student member increase to $40 (currently $20);
4.3 Executive Secretary's Update (Michelle Power, presented by Terry Spithill)
Terry Spithill informed Council he was taking care of the Executive Secretary duties temporarily as discussed earlier. He reported on the items completed since the ETM In July 2009.
Action: ASP Council to propose increased membership fees to $150 Normal members and $40 Student members at the 2010 ASP AGM, ovr the next 5 years. Nick Sangster to compose text on why membership fees need to increase.
4.4 IJP Editor's Report
IJP covers - 2009
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
Published monthly by Elsevier Ltd in collaboration with The Australian Society for Parasitology Inc.
Editor-in-Chief: Professor Alex Loukas E-mail: editor@IJP.org.au
IJP Editor's report to ASP Council, January 2010. Editorial issues I commenced in my new position with James Cook University (JCU), Cairns, effective 01 January 2010. The new Specialist Editorial Board commenced on 01 January for a three year term. At 31 December there were 38 Specialist Editors, 12 of whom stepped down and nine new Specialist Editors joined IJP for the new term. The current Specialist Editor board is provided at the end of this report. Impact Factor and citations The 2008 Impact Factor was 3.75, up by 0.36 on 2007 and the highest on record. Of the journals in the Parasitology category (25 in total) we are still the highest ranking journal that publishes research articles purely devoted to parasitology. We are fifth in the category but only behind the two review journals (Trends Parasitol and Adv Parasitol) and the two PLoS journals (Pathogens and Neglect Trop Dis – both of which also publish on virology and bacteriology). The Immediacy Index has increased from 0.877 to 1.077. The only other journals in the Parasitology category with an immediacy index >1 are Advances Parasitol and PLoS Pathogens. Based on information currently available, we estimate a small increase is likely in the next Impact Factor.
ASP Royalty Payment The royalty paid to the ASP in 2009 (for 2008) was GBP 83,384.34 which was approximately GBP 4,000 higher than the 2008 payment. Following recent trends, electronic revenue once again increased but this was neutralised by the drop in print revenue. Most of the additional revenue resulted from bulk sales and supplements (IJP published an abstract book for the MAM 2008 conference). Strategic Direction Internationalisation. We are continuing to target international authors and audiences, particularly the U.S. authors who traditionally publish in their own journals such as J Parasitol. Submissions from the U.S. have increased from 14% in 2008 to 16% in 2009. Open access and website improvements. We will continue to push authors towards paying the fees to make their articles open access. The fee is no more expensive than PLoS journals charge. I am having ongoing discussions with Dale Seaton at Elsevier to improve the publicity of the journal's website and eTOC alerts. Some new initiatives include a Parasitology portal on Elsevier.com where selected articles are highlighted. We have introduced a system of graphical abstracts whereby each paper has an author-generated summary and a thumbnail image on the TOC section of the webpage. We continue to publish eye catching and high quality
Editorial Office: Queensland Tropical Health Alliance James Cook University, McGregor Rd Smithfield, Cairns Qld 4870 Australia Tel: +61 3 5256 1394 Fax: +61 3 5256 1396 IJP Homepage: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/ijpara
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
Published monthly by Elsevier Ltd in collaboration with The Australian Society for Parasitology Inc.
Editor-in-Chief: Professor Alex Loukas E-mail: editor@IJP.org.au
cover images – see 2009 covers at the end of this report. Publicity. I will continue to promote the journal at international meetings but the impact and immediacy factors are speaking for themselves. The website initiatives described above will serve to improve publicity. Moreover, the status of the journal in the international community is highlighted by 1. the willingness of nearly all the recently invited researchers (many of whom are very senior) to serve on the Specialist Editor board. 2. The willingness of all but one of the invited authors to write an article at short notice for an ICOPA XII thematic issue to be published in 2010. Profile of Submissions 2008 statistics: We received 561 submissions in 2008, with 51% being rejected upfront and 70% rejected overall. The quality of submissions was very high and led to an increased acceptance rate (30%) however we don't anticipate acceptance rates beyond 25% in future years. The main sources of submissions were Western Europe (23%) and Asia (19%). Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and Medical and Veterinary Parasitology (both 7%) have received most submissions. 2009 statistics: We received a record number of 624 submissions for 2009 with 54% rejected upfront and 72% rejected overall. There are still 30 manuscripts to be finalized which might increase the overall rejection rate slightly. Once again, the quality of submissions was very high. The main sources of submissions have been Western Europe (22%) and Asia (20%), followed by South America (17%). Most submissions were in the categories of Medical and Veterinary Parasitology (8%), Ecology (5%) and Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (5%). From 01 January 2010 we will cease using categories for journal contents lists, web submission and the list of Specialist Editors on the IJP website. Therefore we will no longer be reporting those statistics as they do not accurately reflect the breadth of areas covered by many IJP submissions. Thematic Paper Series We are in the process of soliciting papers for an ICOPA XII Special Issue of the IJP. Enough positive responses have been received to proceed with the issue which we hope to publish as our August issue and make it available at the conference Final publication will depend on authors meeting strict deadlines, otherwise we will publish the issue closer to year-end. Office and Budget Maria continues to work from her home office in Victoria, with her employment being transferred from QIMR to JCU effective 01st January. JCU will take over management of the IJP domain from QIMR IT staff. IJP funds will be transferred to JCU once all accounts have been finalised and will be held in a dedicated IJP account managed by JCU finance staff. We are using the JCU mail address for IJP correspondence. The overall IJP budget for 2010 is similar to 2009 with a small adjustment for an annual salary increase for the Editorial Assistant position as per the relevant institutional Workplace Agreement.
Editorial Office: Queensland Tropical Health Alliance James Cook University, McGregor Rd Smithfield, Cairns Qld 4870 Australia Tel: +61 3 5256 1394 Fax: +61 3 5256 1396 IJP Homepage: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/ijpara
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
Published monthly by Elsevier Ltd in collaboration with The Australian Society for Parasitology Inc.
Editor-in-Chief: Professor Alex Loukas E-mail: editor@IJP.org.au
We anticipate the IJP budget being stable over the next few years, other than standard Workplace Agreement salary increases. The home office incurs some slightly higher costs, eg. broadband connection, however this is still less than IJP previously paid for office rental, and Maria is moving more of the office filing system to a fully electronic format which should have an impact on stationery costs and make the office both more flexible and more mobile. As mentioned previously, we have an agreement with Wendy Relf to do scientific editing of IJP manuscripts. We also have a tentative agreement with Wendy to receive some training in IJP Editorial Office procedures and processing so that she can take on the Editorial Assistant duties when Maria takes annual leave and to act as a back-up in an emergency. We anticipate that training will occur by mid-2010. We also have a tentative arrangement with Katrina Moriarty who filled in for Maria previously with Nick Sangster, to act as additional back-up if required. Katrina and Wendy are both based in Sydney and Maria will arrange to train them both at the same time if possible. Alex Loukas Editor-in-Chief JCU
Editorial Office: Queensland Tropical Health Alliance James Cook University, McGregor Rd Smithfield, Cairns Qld 4870 Australia Tel: +61 3 5256 1394 Fax: +61 3 5256 1396 IJP Homepage: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/ijpara
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IJP Editor's Report accepted as presented: PROPOSED: SECONDED: Terry Spithill Nick Smith before Christmas and was able to produce the December 2009 ASP Newsletter issue at short notice and distribute it by email on December 23 2009. The Dec 2009 newsletter was uploaded onto the Network website for members to access and has since been uploaded onto the ASP website by Lisa. Council thanked Lisa J for producing this Newsletter at short notice.
Alex L. started at James Cook University (JCU) in 200. The address for the IJP has changed to JCU. A new Specialist Board has started. For the 2nd consecutive year IJP has campaigned to have PLoS Pathogens removed from the parasitology list category – but it is staying there and so while it is listed IJP will not be the first on the "parasitology list".
Terry S asked if it were possible for Elsevier to offer a link for members from our home page to lead directly into the IJP where members can down load their complimentary copy of the latest issue: currently it is complicated to navigate through the Elsevier website to access the IJP web pages.
Lisa J asked State Representatives and Council members to give feedback on the ASP Newsletter design and there was discussion around the content as the Newsletter will be produced 6 times per year rather than 3 times per year. Council was delighted with the new design. Council decided to keep State News in 3 issues per year with news updates in the in-between issues. Council wanted Lisa to keep interviews with researchers about their careers, research and Travel Awards. It was also suggested to feature different institutions.The President will provide a report for each Newsletter.
Action: Alex L to speak with Dale from Elsevier about a direct link for members into the IJP site from the ASP website.
Jan Slapeta suggested we should highlight one institution in each Newsletter issue to promote the breadth of activity to members. Some of these interviews may be newsworthy to public media.
Alex L reported that 4 authors have agreed to submit papers by February 200 for a thematic issue for ICOPA.
Action: Lisa J to advise ASP State Representatives of the Newsletter deadlines and which issues would hold State News.
Council discussed open-access articles and Alex reported that less than 5% of IJP authors pay for open-access currently. There was discussion around promoting open access. There are currently no plans by Elsevier to use an open access format. Terry S noted that IJP royalties were important for the ASP, and that it may be strategically beneficial to the income if the Journal articles were open-access.
4.3 (i) Membership Report from Secretariat (Maree Conway)
This is the third report to the ASP Council from Thinking Futures, and covers Secretariat operations during the July-December 2009 period.
Action: Alex L to ask Dale Seaton to address the ASP Council about IJP matters at the 200 ETM.
Council congratulated Alex on changes to IJP and noted that the list of new editors was excellent. Alex L acknowledged the help of Dominique Soldati and Ian Beveridge as Editors.
4.7 Newsletter Editor's Update (Lisa Jones)
Council were informed that Lisa Jones was asked to take over as Newsletter Editor just AUSTRALIAN SOCIETy FOR PARASITOLOGy INC. ABN 65 979 686 445
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1 Membership Statistics The following Table details membership statistics as at 31 December 2009. At the end of June 2009, there were 476 members, and 408 financial members. There are 424 financial members at 31 December, an increase of 4%. Membership Category Financial Members Student 140 Ordinary 29 Ordinary Member Discount* 205 Life 22 Fellow 35 Sustaining 0 Newsletter (free) 3 Administration 1 TOTAL 424 *Members who renewed at the discount rate Renewals Overdue 11 30 0 2 43 Total 129 59 205 2 467
These figures include members who have not renewed their membership since 1 April 2008 (that is, two years overdue in 2010). As agreed with previous Executives, these members are retained on the active database until October of the year in which they have been unfinancial for two years, and then archived. Records are retained on the membership database, and can be reactivated at any time, once outstanding fees are paid. For noting. 2 New Membership Applications
There have been 10 new applications for membership from 1 July 2009 to 31 December 2009. Of these, 8 were new student members. New applications are entered onto the membership database, and the Executive Committee advised weekly if there are applications to approve. Once approved, new members receive an automatic welcome email and a tax invoice for their membership fees. For noting. 3 2010-2011 Membership Renewal
Advice about renewal of membership will be sent to current members (including non-financial members) in February 2010 (by mail or email according to communication preferences specified). This first notice will advise them that membership is due for renewal on 1 April 2010, and a discount for Ordinary Membership is available until 31 March 2010. After that date, the full membership fee will apply for Ordinary Members. A reminder will be sent at the beginning of March 2010, with a third reminder on 1 April 2010. Members who do not renew by 30 April will receive two further reminders about their membership in May and June 2010. A list of members who are two years unfinancial at 30 June 2010 will be provided to Council as part of the August Secretariat report for approval to archive those membership records. Council is asked to confirm the free structure for the 2010-2011 membership year, including any discounts. 4 Online Membership Site: Wild Apricot
The online membership site continues to operate effectively. Upgrades occur approximately every three months, so functionality provided by the site owners continues to increase. There is now facility, for example, to: maintain a non-member contact list (for a newsletter on parasitology for non-members for example), group members into interest groups, and manage event registration and payment online.
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The Members' Directory is currently available to the membership, as is a blog facility, but these are underutilised. The Council may wish to consider appointing a member of Council to work with the Secretariat to further develop the membership site. membership of the Australian Society for Parasitology. For consideration. 5 Proposed new text: People wishing to join the Society can apply online at the membership site (http://asp. wildapricot.org), or download this form and forward it to the Secretariat. I advised the President the last quarter of 2009 that I would not be renewing my contract with the ASP when the current contract expired on 3 December 2009, because the major part of my business – strategy development using futures approaches – has grown to such an extent that I need to focus my time on it. Secretariat Contract
It is also possible to set up the main ASP site on Wild Apricot which would provide one site for both membership and information about the Society. Setting up the site is not difficult, but would require someone to be nominated to take responsibility for working with the Secretariat to do the initial set up. The Secretariat could then maintain the website (note that this would be a variation to the current Secretariat contract).
Applications online need the membership number of the two nominators to be specified on the online application form (to allow confirmation of their nomination by the Secretariat), while manual applications need signatures of the nominators to be obtained before forwarding the form to the Secretariat.
However, I offered to continue with Secretariat duties until 3 March 200 to allow time for a replacement Secretariat to be found, and a handover to occur.
For consideration. For consideration. 4 Issues for Consideration 4.2 4.1 New Member Applications Online The Wild Apricot system automatically generates a system identification number, with the ASP membership number a separate number that is allocated sequentially to new members by the Secretariat, and entered onto the membership site manually. Membership Numbers I am finalising a procedures Manual that will be available for the next Secretariat – this is being developed online using a wiki (http://www. pbworks.com) to allow access to the manual by members of Council as well as the Secretariat.
Currently, members wishing to apply for membership usually download the membership application form from the main ASP site (http:// www.parasite.org.au), and then fax or email it to the Secretariat. Members can also apply and pay online, but this is not advertised on the main ASP site. Only two people have applied for membership online in the past year (new applications online are classified as pending, and go through the same approval procedures as manual applications).
I would like to thank the Society for giving me the opportunity to work with its members and three Executives, and to learn more about parasitology! I look forward to working with you on the Society's strategic plan in February.
It is more time effective for both potential members and the Secretariat if applications for membership are managed online as much as possible, with manual applications always being available. One advantage of using the online system is that tax invoices are automatically generated and sent via email so there is no delay for members receiving their receipts for payment, and it saves the Secretariat having to manually produce tax invoices.
The Council is invited to consider whether the automatically generated number would be acceptable as the ASP membership number. The advantage of using this number is that it already appears on member records under the member's name, and so is readily accessible to members. The ASP number is a field in the member record and members need to search for it.
For noting.
Report prepared by Maree Conway, Thinking Futures, 5 January 200. The Secretariat Report was accepted as presented PROPOSED: Terry Spithill Nick Sangster
The ASP membership number is used in the code for accessing the IJP online, so advice is sought about whether or not it would be possible to use the automatically generated number for that purpose.
SECONDED:
It is recommended that the wording on the main ASP website be amended as follows:
Current text on http://www.parasite.org.au/ Membership.html: New members download this form complete and obtain necessary signatures to apply for
Using the automatically generated number reduces confusion – some members, when nominating new members, have already used the Wild Apricot number instead of the ASP number (which isn't a problem, as the two are linked). It would also save time when processing new applications (albeit a small amount of time) and the need to maintain a separate, manual listing of membership numbers.
Maree C gave a verbal report, commenting that the fee structure was the same as previous years. Maree C asked for the text for membership applications and renewals to be changed on the ASP website.
Action: Completed – Lisa J has amended text associated with online membership applications and renewals.
Maree C is writing a Manual for handover to the next Secretariat. Advertising for a new Secretariat
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was discussed by Council. Maree commented that renewal time was very busy time of year. Council discussed getting additional help with treasury, finance and membership. Report accepted as presented: PROPOSED: SECONDED: Terry Spithill Nick Sangster Development of new format for new ASP Newsletter (with Lisa Jones as new Editor) – first published on December 24; Finalisation of Sydney 2009 Parasitology Conference accounts (see separate report); Parasites in Focus – including the new interactive exhibits - on display at the Sydney 2009 Conference, the NT State Library in Darwin from July to September, 2009, and now at Wollongong Science Centre; Lisa Jones and Nick Smith serving on the ICOPA 2 Outreach Committee; Two significant media stories arose from the conference – (i) images from Parasites in Focus were featured in "Cosmos" Issue 29 Oct/ Nov 2009, Australia's # science magazine, and (ii) Australia's malaria research was highlighted in The Weekend Australian on September 26/27, 2009 (Ground shifts in malaria fight by Helen Francombe); Finalisation of negotiations between ASP and UTS to continue the ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology for the next 2 years, with Nick Smith as Convenor and Lisa Jones as Communications and Strategic Development Coordinator. Outreach workshops for senior school students at UTS as part of the 2009 Science Experience
Maree C suggested to Council that ASP members take on the Wild Apricot membership number, currently using the sequential numbering system that Maree has been entering by hand, and should move to using the Wild Apricot membership number as the ASP membership number as this is automatically generated. Council decided that if ASP keeps our membership database with Wild Apricot then we will transfer all ASP membership numbers to the automatic number generated by the Wild Apricot system and will advise all ASP members by email and mail. Maree C suggested we continue to use Paypal to receive membership dues.
Action: Terry S to post History of Parasitology book to Archivist
4.7 Webmaster's update (Jason Mulvenna)
– received by email.
Action: Terry S to investigate secretariat options with the help of Deb H, Nick S, Lisa J.
"I have started speaking to the web guy at JCU so next week I will get web space sorted. I have also spoken to POD about the Para-site and we are planning to move that onto the JCU servers in April. I need to communicate with wolfweb and get the domain name sorted and I'll do that next week. We can have a look at the new website and discuss it when you're up in Cairns."
4.6
Archivist's Report (JulieAnne Fritz)
Prepared by Julie-Anne Fritz
Council discussed merging the two websites, ASP main website and the Network for Parasitology website. Lisa J is visiting Jason M in Cairns on Jan 28 and will discuss development of ASP and Network websites and content management.
. I met Rosanne Walker who looks after the collection at the Australian Academy of Sciences. I left a number of things that had been with Carol and myself. Rosanne believes that the list of what the collection contains (http://www.science. org.au/academy/basser/mslist.htm), should be current.
Action: Deb H, Lisa J and Jason M to action the merging and management of the ASP and Network websites.
4.8 BMM Convenor's update (Andrew Thompson)
Andrew T advised Council that there will be a Bancroft-Mackerras Medal award, and the Committee is currently ranking applicants.
ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology Report accepted as presented PROPOSED: SECONDED: Terry Spithill Alex Loukas
2. Requested a copy of the History of Parasitology textbook for the Archives from Ian Beveridge. He plans to post this to me. Is it okay for the ASP to cover the cost of p&h
Action: Andrew T will report back to Council on BMM progress. Action: Andrew T to strike a set of new BMM medals.
Action: Lisa J will promote Travel Awards to ASP members again – completed; Lisa sent email to ASP members January 18, 2010.
Action: Nick Smith to form Travel Awards Management Committee for assessment of applications.
3. Had two requests for access to the Archives: a. Nick and Lisa from the Network; and, b. Marshall Lightowlers wanting a list of the Societies Founding members.
4.9 ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology Report (Nick Smith)
Activities undertaken in the last 6 months (since the July 2009 Network Report) include: Publication of Network Newsletters on August 8, October 7 and November 24;
4. I have not yet arranged for other films to be transferred to DVD. As shown on the Minutes for the 2009 ETM, this is an on-going item.
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4.10 Incorporations Secretary's Report (Katharine Trenholme)
Katharine - nothing to report.
5. Conference Reports
5.1 2009 ASP & Network Annual Conference (Nick Smith) Sydney 2009 Conference Report
Delegates: - 240 registrants 91 ASP members 60 ASP student members 16 non-members 12 student non-members 4 NZSP members 20 invited speakers/delegates 11 Network committee members 3 sponsors 6 day delegate 15 student volunteers 2 ASP staff Sydney Conference 2009 Income Registrations Sponsorship Network contribution ASP Invited Lecturer Funds Interest on account to 1/12/09 Total income Expenditure Venue Buses Satchels, name tags etc Printing, artwork etc Travel and accommodation (committees and invited speakers) Conftool, PayPal and Commonwealth Bank charges Total expenditure Profit (Loss) Outreach: Staged a public panel quiz show – Itchies and Scratchies – on Sunday July 12, featuring Nick Smith, Lisa Jones, Kate Miller, Mike Johnson, Alana Zakrzewski, Amanda Hudson, Philippa Sharman, Rowan Ikin, Mike Lees (UTS), David Jenkins (CSU), Mal Jones (QIMR), Peter ODonoghue (UQ), Alan Sher (Stanford), John Boothroyd (Stanford); An interactive and photographic exhibition – Parasites in Focus – was on display throughout the conference; Two significant media stories arose from the conference – (i) images from Parasites in Focus were featured in "Cosmos" Issue 29 Oct/Nov 2009, Australias #1 science magazine, and (ii) Australias malaria (from 1/11/2008 to 4/12/2009) $67069.38 $45463.38 $84351.01 $15000.00 $58.71 $211,942.48
$164472.91 $2772.00 $2697.64 $6188.00 $39,848.80 $2991.77
$218,971.12
($7028.64)
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research was highlighted in The Weekend Australian on September 26/27, 2009 (Ground shifts in malaria fight by Helen Francombe). PROPOSED: SECONDED: Terry Spithill Alex Loukas Terry S asked Alan C if they were insured against disasters or delegates not attending. Alan C advised that the PCO can organising insurance. Insurance will cost around $5-$6000 but had not been paid yet. Alan C commented that the Conference venue was now finished and sorting out teething problems, that it was an impressive site.
Prizewinners:
The following ASP Student prizes were awarded at the Sydney 2009 Parasitology Conference:
Alan C confirmed that the ASP would have a free trade booth to promote the ASP and sell merchandise.
Best Posters Annette Dougall, Menzies School of Health Research, "The search for a vector of Leishmania in the Northern Territory"; Tana Taechalertpaisarn, Burnet Institute, "Functional analysis of 6-cys domain protein merozoite surface antigens in Plasmodium falciparum"; Action: Terry S to finalise timetable as best possible and distribute.
Nick Smith asked where the "Parasites in Focus" exhibition would be placed. Alan C said the location was still being finalised but may be placed in with the Conference posters, where the Trade stalls and computers are, but probably not in the Foyer.
Alex L confirmed that IJP were sponsoring four sessions and providing funding for the ASP Outreach prize and publishing student artwork through the IJP.
5.3 20 Conference (Alex Loukas, Brendan McMorran)
Alex L announced that Cairns will host the 20 ASP Annual Conference.
Best Poster Talks ("Speed Dating" Posters) Audrey Chan, Australian National University, "Thiamine requirement and transport by the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum"; Clare Smith, Menzies Research Institute, "Towards novel antimalarial treatments: a host-directed therapy and the haem biosynthetic pathway";
Best Contributed Papers Rowan Ikin, Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology, Sydney, "Toxoplasma gondii modulates Fasciola hepatica-induced Th2 responses"; Alana Zakrzewski, Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology, Sydney, "A dual role for the P2X7 receptor in toxoplasmosis "
Council discussed presentation of the four ICOPA poster prizes for both ASP students and Post-doctoral researchers (two each category) at ICOPA. Council discussed other prizes for best presentation, best poster and best ECR presentation that the ASP and Network normally award at the Conference. It was agreed to award all three prizes and that Lisa J and Nick Smith would coordinate assessment of the ASP student prizes and ECR prize (s) (value of each prize to be determined). Alan C said the best time to present prizes was at the closing ceremony, Friday.
Action: Lisa J and Nick Smith visiting Cairns to look at conference venues on January 27th and 28th with Alex L.
5.4 Bid to host WAAVP in 203 (Andrew Thompson)
WAAVP 203 will be in Perth and held the last week in August; we will hold the ASP Annual Conference along with the meeting. Council congratulated Andrew T on his success at winning the bid.
Action: Nick Smith and Lisa J to manage two prizes for each category: ASP student poster, Postdoc poster and ECR talk at ICOPA X.
6.2 Update on Strategic Planning Workshop (Terry Spithill, Maree Conway)
Maree C circulated a draft programme for the Workshop in Melbourne, 7th and 8th February 200. Maree C is preparing an Environmental Scan and review of global trends, she will provide a treport for the workshop. Council discussed preparation for the Workshop. Bernd K talked about his experience with the German Society for Parasitology as they went through a similar process of strategic planning for the future. Bernd commented that this Society benefited from this process and has changed and improved over the years. Council discussed the list of attendees; there was general agreement that the attendee list was very suitable and reflected a range of age groups and views across the ASP. The Planning Workshop will generate a draft framework and plan. 204 is 50 years since the ASP was founded so the aim is to implement the
2009 Conference Report accepted as presented. PROPOSED: Nick Sangster SECONDED: Terry Spithill
Council discussed marketing merchandise at the ASP booth. We agreed to produce an ICOPA T shirt for sale at our ASP booth and sell our History of Parasitology book. We first need to determine if there is sufficient interest in purchasing the book to warrant a print run. The Executive decided that a print run was not feasible given the risk of being left with unsold copies.
5.2 Spithill)
200 ICOPA XII Conference (Terry
(i) Report from Alan Cowman (Conference Chair) 2010 ICOPA X11 Conference Report accepted as presented.
Alex L asked Alan C whether the ICOPA X abstracts would be published online. Alan C advised that the Committee were still deciding about whether to publish the abstracts, but if they did the abstracts would be given out on a CD with the proceedings book.
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Strategic Planning framework by 204. Action: Terry S to give links to Maree C about other societies. Australian Parasitology Workshop funded through the Network Travel Award scheme. Nick Smith will provide this report to the Workshop Going forward, Peter H suggested we should provide regular updates to members on the Strategic Planning process. Action: ASP Executive Secretary to follow up with Kate H about a prize for The University of Adelaide, confirm that the Course meets the award requirements. Terry S to confirm the award with the University.
6.2 Web Survey of ASP members: analysis for discussion (Terry Spithill, Maree Conway)
Council discussed the Web survey analysis draft document at length. Council asked Maree C for additional analysis within the report – i.e. what % of replies were positive about X, y or Z issue; what % felt ASP needed to take action on a particular issue, etc. Lisa J suggested the final survey report should focus on the constructive elements of the critiques that members offered. Council asked Maree C to provide an Executive Summary of the Websurvey to circulate to members.
Action: Maree C to edit the Web survey analysis and then send an Executive Summary to Terry S who will send final report to ASP members.
7.4 Invited Lecturers for 200 Conference (Terry Spithill)
Three invited lectureships for 200 are budgeted for. Several names were brought forward by the ICOPA Organising Committee. The Committee will make the final decision.
Action: Terry S to give regular Strategic Planning updates to Lisa J for publication in the ASP newsletter.
Action: Terry S to circulate nominees to Council. Terry S to communicate to Lisa J who will coordinate the visits of the three invited ASP lectureships for 2010.
Action: Nick Smith, Lisa J and Andrew T to provide report from the Future Proofing Australian Parasitology workshop.
7.
Amanda A noted that the survey was harder for younger members to complete since they did not have the experience of the ASP relative to older members.
ASP Fellows
Two nominations were made and approved by council and were awarded. PROPOSED: Deborah Holt SECONDED: Katharine Trenholm
7.5 Researcher Exchanges (previously Network Travel Award Scheme)
Nothing to report
8. Elsevier request to update the IJP Contract (Terry Spithill)
Peter H suggested following updates to the contract:
Jan S queried whether the survey was statistically representative of ASP views given there were 5 partial survey completions, with only 57 completed responses. This represents a 3.5% response rate from current financial members. It was acknowledged that a higher response rate would be better but that the results obtained were still a useful representation of views. Amanda A noted that we now had for the first time the views of many members on paper. Tamsin B asked how the demographics of the responses compared with the actual ASP membership.
Action: Julie-Anne F to organise folder.
Action: Terry S to officially inform Mal about the successful nomination.
Remove 2. Editorial Policies Remove 8. Data Protection Query 0.6 Governing Law – disputes with the publisher have to be dealt with under UK laws
7.2
JD Smyth Travel Award
Now part of Travel Award Scheme, discussed previously.
7.3 ASP Undergraduate Prizes in Parasitology
(i) confirm current policy (ii) request from University of Adelaide for a prize
Andrew T said that the contract needs to be looked at by a lawyer.
Alex L suggested that to supplement the first Websurvey, we should create a separate survey with different questions that focus on the needs of younger members. Nick Sangster suggested we use the Websurvey to design questions for the next survey where we ask those who did not respond in Nov-Dec can respond now. We should add an "any comments" section to the survey.
Andrew T talked about the 2009 Future Proofing
The University of Adelaide has written to request an ASP Undergraduate Prize. $400 is given to the University. Council discussed the current policy, $4000 is allocated each year in total from the budget for this prize. Council wanted to know who was on the list of eligible institutions. There are currently 5 on the list, $400 each.
Alex L agreed a lawyer needs to look at the contract, and will ask JCU lawyers to look at it. Nick Sangster suggested that UQ publishing dealt with this type of contract and so perhaps UQ would have an international contract law advisor who could help.
Alex L and Nick Sangster said we currently get 25% of the profits; we want to make sure we are not worse off through this contract.
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Peter H said the new draft of the IJP contract has removed the "Elsevier will wear the loss" clause that was part of the old contract. Alex L said he couldn't imagine that Elsevier would ever change in the future to open access journal but should look at the contract to make sure that this contract wouldn't inhibit the process. Council discussed nominees for this award. Action: Terry S will contact Malcolm Jones and ask Mal to talk to John Sprent about being nominated for the Distinguished
Alex L suggested that we should try to negotiate getting 35% of profits from Elsevier with this new contract. Alex suggested the following updates to the contract:
Action: Alex L to follow up changes to the ASP / IJP / Elsevier contract and getting lawyer to look at it.
Achievement Award.
2.2 clarify that point – ok 3. cover image selected by Editor in chief and any changes need to be in consultation 3.2 c) Specialist editors get free colour on one paper per year where they are the co-author. Editor-in-chief can allow free colour images for some authors at his/her discretion 4.2 b) 2nd paragraph "book projects" – how does this relate to the ASP books like History of Parasitology Remove this from contract. 4.2 c) Remove "free of charge" 6. Ask for 35% of profits as the value of the journal has increased dramatically and has added value since the original contract. 6. part 3 68% overheads – we'll never know what that involves. 6.2 a) Elsevier usually do this directly with the Editor 6.2 b) Goes to Institution rather than the ASP 6.3 a) paid directly to Editor 6.3 b) paid directly to Editor "approved by society" Annex 2. st sentence, third line, insert "and environmental" after "social" 7th sentence (starting with It also publishes...) remove "publishes Thematic Issues incorporating papers on a topical theme and" Action: Terry S contact Malcolm J to let him know the ASP are interested and to confirm the dates.
8.2 Request from Mal Jones for ASP support of the International Congress of Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM) in Brisbane 205.
(i) that ASP consider participating in the ICTMM in 205 if Brisbane wins the bid (ii) that ASP consider holding its conference concurrently with the ICTM (iii) that ASP consider providing seed funds to assist the Congress organization. A request for funding would not be made until the Brisbane bid is won, and then not until the 20/2 term or later. The amount to be requested would be about the same as we use to underwrite normal ASP meetings.
WORLD FEDERATION OF PARASITOLOGISTS DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 200 The WFP award scheme The Executive Board of WFP is pleased to announce that an awards scheme for excellence in Parasitology will be introduced in 200. The Board invites Member Societies to nominate one individual each for awards to be made at ICOPA XII in Melbourne, Australia in August 200.
Council were supportive of ICTMM in Brisbane in 205.
The new awards will be called the "WFP Distinguished Achievement Awards" and they will take the form of special certificates, signed and dated by the President of WFP. The successful candidates will be announced at ICOPA and will be sent their award certificates by post soon after the meeting. The certificates will be suitably sized on elegant parchment bearing the WFP logo and will testify to the person's outstanding achievements as a member of their society.
Nomination deadlines Nick Sangster suggested that for the 50 year celebrations of the ASP in 204 the Conference should be held in Canberra where the first conference was held. Awards will be made once every 4 years at ICOPA, the first being at the 200 meeting in Melbourne. Member societies will be requested to submit nominations to the Executive Secretary of WFP by May 3st 200 for the Melbourne meeting. The Executive Board of WFP will scrutinise all applications and make their recommendations to the President by June 30th 200. The President of WFP will announce the names of successful nominations during ICOPA
Peter H suggested that 9.2 "Renewal" They have right to be approached to underbid any counterbid we have – can be used to negotiate.
Simon C asked how this contract related to the IJP becoming an "open access journal"
8.3 Council to consider our nominee WFP call for nominations for Distinguished Achievement Award.
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and names will be displayed on the WFP stand.
9. Vet Parasitology text book update (Nick Sangster)
Nick reported that there was nothing to update about the Vet Parasitology text book since previous meeting.
including PARA-SITE as part of Parasites in Focus at ICOPA.
Requirements for nomination The Executive Board will consider one recommendation for a Distinguished Achievement Award from each member society of WFP. Nominees, one per member society, should be individuals whose contributions to the discipline have been considerable in the field of scientific endeavour, in research, teaching and/or in the administration, support and promotion of parasitology. Contributions to parasitology might be on a national or local scale. There are no age restrictions for nominated individuals.
9.3 History of Parasitology in Australia & PNG book update (Ian Beveridge)
Council discussed selling History of Parasitology book at ICOPA. At the Sydney 2009 ETM, It was agreed that:
9.2 PARA-SITE Internet-based Parasitology Website update (Peter O'Donoghue)
Report on PARA-SITE provided by Peter by email 3/0/0
ASP Fellows should receive a free copy of the book. the book should be launched at ICOPA XII and incorporated in a booth with other items for sale. the cost of the book would be $30 to ASP members and $70 to non members. Council would need to investigate arranging credit card facilities to take payments.
Nomination procedure and details Member Societies should submit a single nomination as a Word document to the Executive Secretary of WFP by email as described below.
A single-page CV, a list of the ten best publications, plus a synopsis of research, teaching, administrative or promotional activities that support the candidate's nomination. Only three pages of A4 text will be allowed in total – any additional pages will be discarded and will not contribute to the candidacy. Nominations must be signed and dated by the President or delegated representative of the Member Society and each candidate must sign a declaration of agreement to be nominated – all to be contained within the three allowable pages.
The ASP Treasurer will shortly receive an invoice from UQ for the final payment of $7,500 for the services of the Biological Artist Lynn Pryor to finish the artwork required for the electronic multimedia website called PARA-SITE. She (and I) have been working feverishly on it over the Xmas holiday break as we both had time to dedicate to it. The final work has been completed and we are assembling the final product. I have proofread all the text and we are making appropriate corrections. I have spoken with Jason Mulvenna and we are going to provide him with the whole complete site so he can load it onto the ASP website (through the JCU server) by Easter. Lynn and I have designed a small stylized logo (a tick overwritten with PARA-SITE) which we would like to be the front page link used by ASP (and ultimately other societies). I would like the site to be available firstly only to members of the ASP so we can triple-check content and functionality. The aim is to then have a fully edited version running for an official launch at ICOPA.
9.4 Smith)
"Parasites in Focus" exhibition (Nick
Parasites in Focus is currently in Wollongong and will be travelling to Imaginarium in Launceston in March, followed by GTAC two weeks prior to ICOPA, and then onto ICOPA. No additional information to report on.
Exclusions No currently serving member of the Executive Board of WFP, including officers, and members of the current ICOPA Organising Committee may be nominated for an award until at least 3 years have expired since their term of office.
Les Chappell Executive Secretary World Federation of Parasitologists l.h.chappell@abdn.ac.uk
ASP Council should therefore discuss resource issues with the ICOPA organizers (I understand there will be numerous computers available for delegates - will the ASP website feature as screen-saver , or something similar). I am happy to produce posters (small, medium, large) bearing the ASP web address and the PARA-SITE tick logo for placement around the venue, and we should try and produce something for delegates satchels ).
0. Funding for Student Travel to annual conference at ICOPA XII for 200 (Terry Spithill)
The issue of the funding level for student travel to the annual conference was raised at the Sydney MTM. Council previously agreed that funding for student travel for attendance at the annual conference would remain at $40,000. Should we consider increasing support due to higher ICOPA registration fees
Council discussed displaying PARA-SITE at ICOPA.
Discussed previously during Treasurer's report. Council agreed to increase the level of funding for ASP students to travel to annual conference at ICOPA to $50,000.
Action: Lisa J to organise with POD about
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ACTION CHECKLIST
ITEM NO 3.1 ITEM NAME Business arising
Mid Term Meeting 15 January 2010
RESPONSIBILITY Kate H ACTION Kate Hutson, SA Rep moving to JCU, Townsville. Sarah C will contact South Australian colleagues and will discuss nominations for a South Australian Representative and report back to ASP Council. ASP Secretariat Maree Conway stepping down; Deborah STATUS Kate Hutson to remain as SA Rep until 2010 AGM New ASP Secretariat, Lyn Wynn appointed
3.1
Business arising
Terry S
4.1
Presidents report
Terry S
4.1
Presidents report
Terry S
4.1 4.2
Presidents report Treasurers Report Treasurers Report Treasurers Report
Terry S Nick S
4.2 4.2
Nick S Nick S
H will find previous applications for managing the ASP membership and distribute to Council. Terry S to investigate secretariat options with the help of Deb H, Nick S, Lisa J. Terry S to organise for ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology participants to receive email updates. Terry S to ask for the email address from ICOPA broadcasts to be from the ICOPA organising committee. Terry S to nominate Denise Doolan, QIMR as President-elect. Nick Sangster to coordinate with current account holders of the ASP No. 2 account to transfer balance and close account.
Nick Sangster to increase the 2010 ASP Student Travel grant budget to $50,000.
arranged by Lisa J completed
completed completed
completed Motion for AGM drafted and approved
4.2 4.4
Treasurers Report IJP Editors Report
Nick Sangster Alex L
ASP Council to propose increased membership fees over the next 5 years to $150 Normal members and $40 Student members; motions to be put to the 2010 ASP AGM. Nick Sangster to compose arguments on why membership fees need to increase.
Nick Sangster will circulate an updated budget will be circulated to Council.
completed
4.4 4.5
IJP Editors Report ASP Newsletter Editors Report Membership secretariat Report Archivists Report Webmasters Report
Alex L Lisa J
Alex L to speak with Dale Seaton from Elsevier about a direct link into the IJP site from the ASP website for members to access complimentary copy of IJP.
Alex L to ask Dale Seaton to address the ASP Council about IJP matters at the 2010 ETM.
4.3 4.6 4.7 4.8
Maree C Julie-Anne F Jason M Andrew T
Lisa J to advise ASP State Representatives of the Newsletter deadlines and which issues would hold State News.
Text for membership applications and renewals to be changed on the ASP website.
Completed – Lisa J
David J delivered copy
Terry S to post History of Parasitology book to Archivist..
Deb H, Lisa J and Jason M to action merging and management of the ASP and Network websites.
4.8
4.8
BMM Convenors update BMM Convenors update ARC/NHMRC
Andrew T will report back to Council on BMM progress. Andrew T to strike a set of new BMM medals. Lisa J will promote Travel Awards to ASP members
completed ;
Andrew T
Nick Smith
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Research Network for Parasitology Report
4.8
again
Lisa sent email to ASP members January 18, 2010 .
5.2 5.2
ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology Report 2010 ICOPA XII Conference 2010 ICOPA XII Conference 2011 Conference Strategic Planning Workshop Strategic Planning Workshop Strategic Planning Workshop Strategic Planning Workshop ASP Fellows ASP Fellows ASP Undergraduate Prizes in Parasitology Invited Lecturers for 2010 Conference Elsevier request to update the IJP Contract ASP support of the International Congress of Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM) in Brisbane 2015 WFP call for nominations for
Nick Smith
Nick Smith to form Travel Awards Management Committee for assessment of applications.
Terry S Terry S Nick S Lisa J Alex L Terry S Maree C Terry S Maree C
Finalise timetable as best possible and distribute.
completed
5.3 6.2
Nick Smith and Lisa J to manage two prizes for each category: ASP student poster, Postdocs poster and ECR talk
Lisa J and Nick Smith visiting Cairns to look at conference venues on January 27th and 28th with Alex L.
completed completed
Terry S to give links to Maree C about other societies. Maree C to edit the Web survey analysis and then send an Executive summary to Terry S who will send final report to ASP members. Terry S to give regular Strategic Planning updates to Lisa J for publication in the ASP newsletter. Nick Smith, Lisa J and Andrew T to provide report from the Future Proofing Australian Parasitology workshop. Julie-Anne F to organise folder. Terry S to officially inform Mal about the successful nomination. ASP Executive Secretary to follow up with Kate H about a prize for The University of Adelaide, confirm that the course meets the award requirements. Terry S to confirm the award with the University. Terry S check if David Knox has been a previous ASP invited lecturer and also look into a third name and circulate to council. Terry S to communicate to Lisa J who will coordinate the visits of the three invited ASP lectureships for 2010. Alex L to follow up changes to the ASP / IJP / Elsevier contract and getting lawyer to look at it. Terry S contact Malcolm J to let him know the ASP are interested and to confirm the dates.
6.2
Completed; survey posted on Wild Apricot website Completed ; updates provided to Newsletters completed
6.2
Terry S Maree C Terry S Maree C
6.2
7.1 7.1 7.3
Julie-Anne F Terry S David J
completed
7.4
Terry S
completed
8.1
Terry S
8.2
Terry S
completed
8.3
Terry S
Terry S will contact Malcolm Jones and ask Mal to talk to John Sprent about being nominated for the
Completed; Sprent
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9.2
Distinguished Achievement Award PARA-SITE
Distinguished Achievement Award.
POD
nominated
Lisa J to organise with POD about including PARASITE as part of Parasites in Focus at ICOPA.
SIGNED
……………………………………….… President Prof Terry Spithill
………………………………………….. Executive Secretary Lisa Jones
…………………………………………. Date
………………………………………….. Date
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Council of the Australian Society for Parasitology Inc.
Executive
President
Terry Spithill School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2678 Tel (02) 6933 2439 Fax: (02) 6933 299 Email: tspithill@csu.edu.au
Vice-President
Peter Holdsworth Animal Health Alliance (Australia) Ltd Locked Bag 96 Canberra ACT 260 Tel: (02) 6257 9022 Fax: (02) 6257 9055 E: peter.holdsworth@ animalhealthalliance.org.au
Executive Secretary
Michelle Power* Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 209 Tel (02) 9850 6974 Fax (02) 9850 8245 Email: mpower@els.mq.edu.au *Interim contact David Jenkins Email: djenkins@csu.edu.au
Treasurer
Nick Sangster School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2678 Tel (02) 6933 407 Fax: (02) 6933 299 Email: nsangster@csu.edu.au
State Councillors
ACT
Simon Cobbold Research School of Biology Building #4 Linnaeus Way Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 Tel: (02) 625 8589 Email: simon.cobbold@anu.edu.au
NT
Deborah Holt International Health Division Menzies School of Tropical Health PO Box 4096 Casuarina, NT 08 Tel: (08) 8922 896 Fax: (08) 8927 587 Email: d.holt@menzies.edu.au
SA
Kate Hutson School of Earth & Environmental Sciences The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005 Tel: (08) 8303 5282 Fax: (08) 8303 4364 Email: kate.hutson@jcu.edu.au
VIC
Bernd Kalinna Department of Veterinary Science University of Melbourne Parkville, Melbourne VIC 300 Tel: (03) 8344 8805 Fax: (03) 8344 7374 E: bernd.kalinna@unimelb.edu.au
NSW
Jan Slapeta Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Sydney Camperdown, NSW 2006 Tel: (02) 935 2025 Fax: (02) 935 7348 Email: jan.slapeta@sydney.edu.au
QLD
Tamsin Barnes School of Veterinary Science University of Queensland Gatton Campus, QLD 4343 Tel: +6 7 5460 965 Mob: +6 422 980499 Fax: +6 7 5460 922 Email: t.barnes@uq.edu.au
TAS
Brendan McMorran Menzies Research Institute University of Tasmania Private Bag 23 Hobart, Tasmania 7000 Ph. (+63) 62262769 Fax (+63) 62267704 E: brendan.mcmorran@utas.edu.au
WA
Amanda Ash School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Murdoch University, WA 650 Fax (08) 930 444 Email: aash@murdoch.edu.au
Other Members
Incorporation Secretary
Katharine Trenholme QIMR Herston QLD 4006 Tel: (07) 3362 0432 Fax: (07) 3362 004 E: Katharine.Trenholme@qimr. edu.au
Webmaster
Jason Mulvenna Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878 Email: Jason.Mulvenna@jcu.edu.au
Newsletter Editor
Lisa Jones ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology IBID, UTS, PO Box 23, Broadway, NSW, 2007 Tel: (02) 954 4006 Fax: (02) 954 420 Email: lisa.jones@uts.edu.au
Bancroft-Mackerras Medal Convenor
Andrew Thompson School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Murdoch University. Murdoch WA 650 Tel (08) 9360 7423 Fax: (08) 930 444 E: a.thompson@murdoch.edu.au
Archivist
Julie-Anne Fritz Research School of Biology Building #4 Linnaeus Way Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 Tel: (02) 625 2203 Fax: (02) 625 033 Email: julie-anne.fritz@anu.edu.au
IJP Editor
Alex Loukas Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878 Email: editor@IJP.org.au Tel: (03) 5256 394
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