Aquatic Parasitology: Ecological and Environmental Concepts and Implications of Marine and Freshwater Parasites

Prof. Dr. Nico Smit is a Professor of Ecology in the School of Biological Sciences at North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa. Nico’s research focuses on the biodiversity, taxonomy and ecology of marine and freshwater parasites and he has authored and co-authored more than 245 scientific papers and three edited books on these and other related topics. To date 23 PhD and 38 MSc students have graduated under his supervision. His research and teaching excellence has internationally been recognised through visiting Professor appointments at University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, University of Queensland, Australia and Masaryk University, Czech Republic, and through his current appointment as Adjunct Professor of Marine Biology and Ecology at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, USA. Nico has contributed to the management of national and international academic societies as president of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA), president of the South African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) and committee member of the International Symposium on Fish Parasites (ISFP). He is currently rated by the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) as an internationally acclaimed scientist in the field of aquatic parasitology.

Prof. Dr. Bernd Sures is a highly regarded scientist in the fields of parasitology, ecotoxicology, and aquatic ecology. He is a Professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen and Founding Director of the Research Center One Health Ruhr of the Research Alliance Ruhr in Germany. He has established himself as a leader in research on the interactions between parasites, pollutants, and aquatic organisms. He is also Extraordinary Professor at the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa. His research has greatly advanced our understanding of the interactions between parasites and pollutants and their combined impact on the health of aquatic organisms. Driven by a passion for uncovering the effects of multiple stressors on aquatic environmental health, he frequently integrates ecotoxicological and parasitological approaches in his work. Bernd has published >250 scientific papers, and has coordinated numerous large-scale, interdisciplinary research projects. He is also recognized for his commitment to fostering collaboration and mentorship in environmental sciences, actively supporting both national and international research initiatives and the next generation of scientists.