Schistosomiasis – a rich vein of research

The expansion in the volume of research activity over the last 100 years and the acceleration of technological change that underpins the nature and, to a lesser extent, the quality of the science we do, means that those in science today have little time, or indeed opportunity, for reflection on some of the pioneering efforts within their fields. From the first discovery of schistosome parasites in Egypt in 1851 by Theodor Bilharz, research on schistosomiasis has provided valuable insights into many wider aspects of biology and medicine and has attracted an array of colourful and dynamic scientists who have made major advances through elegant experimentation.