Greetings from Korea.

This is Jong-Yil Chai, President of the 14th ICOPA, Professor Emeritus of Seoul National University College of Medicine.

On behalf of the organizing committee of the next ICOPA, I’m very happy to invite all of you to Daegu, South Korea in the year 2018.

We, Korean parasitologists, are putting in lots of efforts with a great passion for developing the research field ranging from all related areas. This Congress is expected to serve as a hot debating space for parasitology around the world and to address some crucial issues, coming up with solutions. To this end, we are collaborating with the central and local governments, and related organizations of Korea to make this event substantial.

The venue is EXCO Convention Center. Daegu is a cultural city located in the south eastern part of South Korea and famous with beautiful environment and kind and nice people. Nearby Daegu is located an ancient city named Gyeungju built 3,000 years ago. You can see and feel atmosphere of the unique Korean culture. We strongly hope to make the 14th ICOPA a most fruitful and wonderful and enjoyable international meeting.

For this, we will try our best.

Thank you and see you in Daegu in near 2018.


Jong-Yil Chai
President of ICOPA 2018

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I am pleased to cordially invite you to Daegu, Korea as the venue for the 14th International Congress of Parasitology (ICOPA) in 2018.

The congress, to be held at the EXCO in Daegu from 19 (Sunday) to 24 (Friday) August, 2018 is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates all over the world to exchange latest scientific knowledge on parasitology and related sciences, and will provide exciting opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors to network, display their products and services and communication opportunities.

Parasitology is not a science that belongs to the past, but is being developed by new concepts and technologies that are more interesting and beneficial to humankind. Parasitology is made up of a variety of disciplines. During the 14th ICOPA, there will not be even a second to feel boredom. Under the main theme “Parasite: Harms & Benefits to Animals and Humans”, the congress is filled with 25 sub-themes, which will fulfill participant’s needs and expectations. The congress will consist of various scientific programs, such as plenary sessions, symposium, oral / poster presentations, satellite meetings and workshops. As for social programs, for examples, young professional party will draw many young experts’ interest and gala dinner with a beautiful Korean costume fashion show will be performed.

Korea is a unique country in East Asia with beautiful nature, long history and culture. Recently, the Korean Wave has received worldwide attention. Since the reconciliation mode between South and North Korea has been established, Korea is safer than any other countries at the present moment. I would like to invite you to visit Korea and share your academic achievements and enjoy exciting cultural experiences together.

I very much look forward to seeing you soon in Daegu in 2018.

Thank you.


Tai-Soon Yong
Chair of Organizing Committee

Welcome to the 14th International Congress of Parasitology in Daegu.

Dear parasitologists, dear colleagues from medicine, veterinary medicine and sciences with an interest in parasites, dear students.

I cannot say how much I look forward to meeting you all in Daegu for our next ICOPA. ICOPA is one of the highlights in parasitology where we meet friends and colleagues, forge new friendships and collaborations, and get inspired to continue our research and practice in parasitology. It is so much more than being updated scientifically. Last year I was invited to Daegu by the Local Organising Committee, where I met with the local government and visited the congress centre and some of the cultural heritage sites in the area. There is a strong support of the ICOPA in the society and the congress facilities and surroundings are perfect. More importantly, the LOC has formed a local programme committee and teamed up with a strong international scientific board in order to give us an excellent programme. What we need now to make the congress a success is your participation, your presentations, and your support to inspire colleagues and students to join.

Let us all meet in Daegu 19-24 August 2018 – and my advice: Set aside a few extra days to enjoy the fascinating country.


Jørgen Kurtzhals
President, World Federation of Parasitologists