Over 500 scientists from all over the country along with four US researchers, and delegates from Indonesia, Iran, Bangladesh and African countries are expected to participate in the Third Global meet on Parasitic diseases organized here by the Bangalore University and the Indian Society of Parasitology from January 12-16.

Dr CNR Rao, Linus, Pauling research professor, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, inaugurated the five-day event. Prof. G Padmanabhan, former director, G Padmanabhan delivered a key note address highlighting the new drug targeting site which involves heme-bio-synthetic pathway of the malarial parasite.

The theme of the event is ‘Emerging and re-emerging parasite borne diseases. Deliberations dealing with humans, animals and parasites are being held.

The meet focuses on the recent developments in parasitology and new strategies in the control of parasitic diseases of medical and veterinary importance. Different aspects of basic and applied parasitology will be covered during the meet said Prof. NJ Shetty, Centre for Applied Genetics, Bangalore University.

The meet will have 20 sessions, 15 plenary sessions and 50 lectures along with oral and poster presentations.

Bangalore University will organize a DNA special symposium on January 15 and 16, to commemorate 50 years of the discovery of the Double Helix by James Watson and Francis Crick. It will feature 17 lectures by eminent scientists covering various aspects of life sciences including botany, zoology, applied genetics and biochemistry. Nearly 800 delegates from various colleges affiliated to the Bangalore University will participate said Dr Shetty.