Parasites, parasitology and parasitologists

The science of parasitology is one of the many new disciplines of the twent ieth century, as such it is a dynamic and rapidly evolving science which en compasses an increasing number of sub-disciplines and technologies. However , will the fragmentation involved in current methods of scientific enquiry and the competition for Funding mean the decline of certain areas of parasi tology or perhaps the complete loss of the discipline. This paper attempts to address these questions by considering the development of the discipline of parasitology especially within Australia and by considering the mechani sms of attaining funding for science. Technological change and its impact o n parasitology is also considered, and requirements For maintenance of the discipline and its practitioners are suggested. (C) 2001 Australian Society For Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.