Warm welcome to the 9th Conference of the Scandinavian-Baltic Society for Parasitology!

As always, our conference will offer interesting new research findings and a platform for networking. This time – for the first time in our society’s history – we will meet virtually. I am convinced that this conference will be brilliant, wonderful and one to remember.

Organizing this conference virtually is an example of what we as a scientific society can do, especially in times like this. We use this opportunity to make our conference even more accessible, enabling even wider attendance. Organizing a virtual conference also illustrates that we prioritize taking the best possible care of each other and ourselves.

This pandemic shall pass, and it is important that we continue our work and collaborations, even during these challenging times. The research presented will show how many parasites do the same, in this changing world that we share.

I am looking forward to seeing you virtually in beautiful Vilnius!

Dr. Pikka Jokelainen
President of Scandinavian-Baltic Society for Parasitology

On behalf of the Scientific and Local Organizing Committees, I am pleased to cordially invite you to the 9th Conference of the Scandinavian-Baltic Society for Parasitology (CSBSP9), hosted by Nature Research Centre and Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, in Vilnius, Lithuania.

This biennial event is an official conference of the Scandinavian-Baltic Society for Parasitology (SBSP). After unification of the Scandinavian and the Baltic Societies of Parasitologists in 2003 in Bergen, the first conference of the Scandinavian-Baltic Society for Parasitology took place in Vilnius in 2005. Fifteen years later, we are happy to host CSBSP9 in Vilnius again – this time virtually.

The theme of this year’s meeting is ‘Parasites in a changing world’. The vision of this conference is to create a great platform for experienced and early-career researchers in the fields of wildlife, veterinary and medical parasitology and to share interdisciplinary science between researchers from Northern Europe and other countries around the world. The CSBSP9 Scientific Committee has created an excellent program with focus on both global and regional issues in parasitology. The meeting will provide high scientific value and excellent opportunity to share ideas and strengthen scientific communication and cooperation.

There are more hot air balloons per head of population in Lithuania than in any other country, and Vilnius happens to be one of the few capitals in Europe that allows hot air balloons to fly above the old town. We wish you a pleasant fly, this time virtual – please enjoy the views of the UNESCO-listed medieval old town, its well-preserved labyrinth-like red roofs and the lush forests in and around the city. Then, when the times for traveling will come back, you can continue your journey by stepping on the streets and continue exploring the town.

I very much look forward to seeing you all in Vilnius!

Dr. Vaidas Palinauskas
Chair of Scientific and Local Organizing Committees