Queen’s lead new network to drive global research in combating worm diseases of humans and animals
A research team from Queen’s University Belfast has received funding to lead a new UK network that will aim to reduce helminth parasite diseases, also known as worm infections, in the UK and worldwide.
Helminth parasite diseases are caused by parasitic worms that live in or on a host organism and negatively impact the health of billions of people and animals worldwide.
Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the three-year research network, Helminth Eco-Health Hub UK, will unite UK based scientists across various disciplines, expertise, and career stages to drive this innovative research.
Professor Geoffrey Gobert, from the School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s, is an internationally recognised researcher in the field of helminth biology.
Professor Gobert has been appointed Network Director and will work alongside Queen’s researchers Professor Angela Mousley and Dr Louise Atkinson.
Speaking about the significance of the network, Professor Gobert said:
“This is an extremely exciting opportunity for Queen’s to be part of groundbreaking research.
“Chronic illness in humans and reductions in agricultural output are central traits of helminth disease, and the sustainable control of helminth infections is threatened by escalating drug resistance, inadequate diagnostic methods, climate change, and a lack of new therapies. So, tackling these challenges requires urgent, coordinated, interdisciplinary team-based research efforts.”
The Helminth Eco-Health Hub UK will launch in early 2026 and will strengthen helminth research within the UK and with overseas collaborators.
Over three years, a range of activities will support key research challenges through network building, funding and resource support, research delivery and impact, and more.
To find out more information, contact helminthhubuk@qub.ac.uk.
Professor Geoffrey Gobert
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For media enquiries, please contact Grace White: g.white@qub.ac.uk