.JPG)
The meeting builds on the international conference held in Tübingen, Germany, in 2025, which commemorated the 200th anniversary of Theodor Bilharz, discoverer of Schistosoma haematobium, the causative agent of schistosomiasis.
The 2nd Theodor Bilharz Conference will take place in Leiden, the Netherlands, June 9–11 2027, marking 50 years of innovative schistosomiasis research at the parasitology team of the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC). Every decade marks a milestone.
1977: LUMC researchers describe the first anti‑CAA and anti‑CCA monoclonal antibodies.
1987: A landmark international laboratory workshop at the LUMC, training researchers in CAA and CCA detection in clinical samples.
1997: The Leiden group introduces the groundbreaking concept of immune hyperresponsiveness in chronic schistosomiasis.
2007: Glycomics‑driven discoveries by the LUMC team opens new research avenues in schistosome biology.
2017: The LUMC team established the world’s first Controlled Human Schistosoma Infection Model.
In 2027, we want to celebrate these achievements together with our global collaborators and colleagues. The scientific programme will cover a broad range of topics across schistosomiasis research. Abstracts will be invited within the following themes:
- From Molecules to Mechanisms
Functional Omics, Microbiome, Biomarker discovery, Molecular Parasitology - Understanding the immunology of Worm - Host interaction
Host-Parasite Immunobiology, Immunology, Controlled Human Infection Models - Understanding Disease
Clinical manifestations, Travel medicine, Morbidity, Pathogenesis, Chronic disease, Case Management - Schistosomiasis & Reproductive Health
FGS, MGS, Maternal Health, Paediatric Health - Detecting Infection
Diagnostics, Biomarkers, Surveillance, Monitoring tools, AI-supported tools - New Weapons Against Schistosomiasis
Drugs & Vaccine Research, Basic Mechanisms of Resistance - Breaking Transmission from a One Health Perspective
Environmental drivers, One Health, Hybrids, Snail Biology - The Road to Control & Elimination
Control & Elimination strategies, Implementation science, Health Policy , Health Systems, Mathematical Modelling
Important Deadlines
Abstract submission: 1 February 2027.
Abstract acceptance notification: 15 March 2027. You will be notified of the acceptance of an oral/poster presentation.
Registration
The conference welcomes researchers, clinicians, laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, program managers, students, policymakers, and industry partners working in schistosomiasis and related fields.
The symposium runs from Wednesday 9 June 2027 (starting after lunch) until Friday 11 June 2027 (ending before lunch).
The registration fee (€295) covers participation in the full symposium and includes:
- Dinner on Wednesday evening (9 June)
- Lunch and Scientific Networking Reception on Thursday (10 June)
Registration is for the full conference only, day registration is not available.
Attendance is limited to 120 participants to promote an interactive meeting and facilitate scientific discussion. We therefore encourage participants to register early.
The scientific program will include a limited number of oral presentations. Abstracts that are not selected for an oral presentation will, where appropriate and based on scientific quality, be considered for a poster presentation.
Please note that the conference will be held in person only. Hybrid participation and pre-recorded presentations will not be available. All presenting authors, including poster presenters, must be registered participants.
As the number of places is limited, registrants will be asked to provide a brief description of their motivation for attending and their background or interest in schistosomiasis research as part of the registration process.
Travel Fellowships
We are establishing a Travel Fellowship Program to support researchers from low- and middle-income countries who are actively engaged in schistosomiasis research and would otherwise be unable to attend. Priority will be given to applicants with a demonstrated track record in the field, including early-career researchers who have already contributed to schistosomiasis research. Further details on eligibility, the application process, and available funding will be announced in due course.
Registration will open in September 2026.
For more information please contact the organizing committee Lisette van Lieshout and Pytsje Hoekstra (schisto2027@lumc.nl).
