PARSA invites you to their 54th Annual Conference
Dear parasitologists and colleagues,
On behalf of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa it is my great pleasure to invite all of you to attend the 54th Annual PARSA Conference to be held at ATKV Klein Kariba in Bela-Bela from 30 August – 02 September 2026.
The conference will be held under the theme: Exploring Parasites in the Era of OMICs: From Data to Discovery.
This is the official annual academic event of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA) and one of the biggest highlights in parasitology where we can meet friends and colleagues, seek scientific collaboration, and get inspired and motivated to continue our research and practice in parasitology and parasitic diseases.
We will endeavour for an exciting and high-quality scientific programme, diversity and inclusion, and transparency and professionalism in the organizing of the conference.
I am looking forward to a productive and interactive Conference and your participation, your research paper presentation, and your support to inspire your colleagues and students to join as at PARSA 2026.
I look forward to welcoming you to the conference in 2026!
Dr Iva Přikrylova
PARSA 2026 Conference LOC Chairperson
LOC Members
- Dr Iva Přikrylova (Chair) – University of Limpopo
- Dr Zamantungwa Mnisi – University of Limpopo
- Prof. Susan Dippenaar – University of Limpopo
- Prof. Wilmien Luus-Powell – University of Limpopo
- Tshepo Mangena – University of Limpopo
KINDLY NOTE IMPORTANT DATES
- Abstract Submission Opens – 09 February 2026
- Early Registration Opens – 09 February 2026
- Abstract Submission Closes – 01 April 2026
- Abstract Acceptance Notices – 30 April 2026
- Early Registration Closes – 12 June 2026
- Regular Registration Closes – 11 August 2026
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
ORAL PRESENTATION GUIDELINES
TIME ALLOCATION
The time allocated for each oral presentation is 12 minutes, with a further 3 minutes allowed for discussion at the end of each presentation.
Presentations to be designed in PowerPoint, in 16:9 ratio.
SUBMITTING YOUR PRESENTATION
We encourage all presenters to submit their presentations to the Conference organisers by Thursday 27 August 2026 through e-mail to [email protected], or via the free transform platform, www.wetransfer.com for files larger than 15MB.
Presentations can also be uploaded on arrival at the conference venue. It is compulsory that all presentations must be loaded on the system at least 90 minutes before the start of the respective session.
POSTER PRESENTATION GUIDELINES
General Information
We will have two dedicated Poster Sessions:
- Monday 31 August – 12h00-12h30
- Tuesday 01 September – 11h30-12h00
Size
The maximum page size for posters is A0 in portrait (841 mm wide by 1189 mm high), and in portrait orientation (not landscape).
It can be full colour or black and white (colour is recommended for visual effect). It will be the speakers’ responsibility to design, print, bring the poster with them to the conference and apply it to the Poster Area.
During the poster sessions, delegates are encouraged to please stand by their work for discussions and questions.
Poster Design
To facilitate clarity and readability, we recommend that delegates use a simple font (i.e. Arial, Calibri, etc.) and a minimum point size for Titles: 50; Headings: 40 and Body text: 20.
For more advice on scientific poster design delegates can refer to:
- Erren TC, Bourne PE (2007) Ten Simple Rules for a Good Poster Presentation.
- PLoS Comput Biol 3(5): e102. Block, SM (1996). Do’s and don’ts of poster presentation. Biophys J. 71(6): 3527–3529.
- Academic Poster Design Advice: http://colinpurrington.com/tips/academic/posterdesignuration of the congress.
Poster Applications
Posters to be applied with double-sided tape or prestik.
TO DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAMME, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
TO DOWNLOAD THE ABSTRACT BOOK, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
ATKV Klein-Kariba
The Jewel of the Busveld!
ATKV Klein-Kariba is a popular family resort nestled in the Waterberg bushveld near Bela-Bela, Limpopo, offering diverse self-catering accommodation (apartments, cabins, tent houses) and numerous activities like hiking, swimming, quad biking, zip-lining, and wildlife viewing, making it a perfect nature escape with adventure and relaxation for families, couples, and groups close to Pretoria and Johannesburg.
ACCOMMODATION (all rates excludes breakfast and dinner)
– Single accommodation – R1,045.00 per person
– Sharing accommodation – R755.00 per person sharing
– Breakfast – R180.00 per person per day
– Dinner (Monday 31 August) – R420.00 per person (includes 1 x soft drink)
- Please note we have limited units and only the A 4-Bed Flat and B 4-Bed Flats are available for single accommodation.
- No other units can be booked as single accommodation.
Accommodation can be booked on the registration system and will only be confirmed once payment for accommodation has been received.
DOWNLOAD THE ACCOMMODATION LIST
SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITION
Why Participate?
The PARSA conference will act as platform to discuss and develop activities that will ensure capacity building in the field of parasitology in South Africa and Africa. The conference will offer a variety of engagement opportunities suitable for large as well as small organisations. We expect 60-80 participants from the region. Please use this unique opportunity to participate in this event by selecting from the options in this prospectus
- Promotes cutting-edge scientific research
- Contributes to the advancement of Parasitology for Southern Africa
- Offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with renowned professionals from across the region
- Provides an ideal networking forum paving the way for meaningful collaborations and partnerships
- Enhance your brand’s visibility and recognition among a targeted audience of professionals, researchers, and industry experts
Sponsorship/Exhibition Packages
We offer a range of tailored sponsorship and exhibition packages designed to meet your company’s objectives and budget. Whether you aim to elevate your brand’s visibility, launch new products, or establish industry connections, our packages offer various benefits that will align with your goals.
SAVETCON Event Management
Corné Engelbrecht
Tel: +27(0)82 925 9241
Email: corne@savetcon.co.za
DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS
54th Annual PARSA Conference Organisers
SAVETCON Event Management
Corné Engelbrecht
[email protected]
+27(0)82 925 9241