Tiny Vectors, Major Threats: A deep-dive into Tick-Borne Infections

07/09/2026

October 8, 2026 – Lecture Hall Agnès Ullmann – Institut Pasteur

Ticks are among the most important vectors of pathogens in the world. Often better known for infecting animals than humans, these arachnids are responsible for transmitting a wide diversity of bacteria, viruses and parasites to humans. In a context of climate change favouring the geographical expansion of tick populations and the emergence of new vector-borne diseases, tick-borne infections represent a significant public health concern, both in Europe and globally.

To anticipate and address these growing threats, the Labex IBEID is organising on October 8, 2026 a scientific symposium dedicated to tick-borne infections. Entitled “Tiny Vectors, Major Threats: A Deep Dive into Tick-Borne Infections”, this symposium will bring together researchers, entomologists and epidemiologists to discuss the latest advances in the field. Topics will cover a broad spectrum, ranging from the fundamental biology of ticks to public health challenges, including epidemiology and the influence of climate change on the expansion of vector populations, tick behaviour, host immunology and vaccinology.

 

We will have the pleasure of welcoming Professors Nathalie Boulanger (FR), José de la Fuente (ES), Nicholas Ogden (CA) and Joao H.F. Pedra (US).

This event is open to the entire scientific community. Attendance is free but registration is mandatory.

 

 

Infos and registration:

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Download the program (PDF)

 

Keynote Speakers :

Nathalie Boulanger, Professor at the University of Strasbourg and Head of the National Reference Centre for Lyme disease.

Pr Boulanger is a leading French specialist in tick-borne diseases, her research focuses in particular on Lyme disease, tick ecology in Europe and prevention strategies for vector-borne diseases. She leads an internationally recognised research group for its contributions to the understanding of the host-vector-pathogen interface.

José de la Fuente, Professor at the University of Castilla-La Mancha and researcher at the SaBio Institute (CSIC-UCLM).

Author of more than 1,000 publications, Pr de la Fuente is a world-leading specialist in tick vaccinology, particularly recognised for his contributions to the development of Bm86-based vaccines targeting Rhipicephalus microplus. His more recent work explores innovative vaccination approaches to control both tick infestations and the diseases they transmit.

Nicholas Ogden, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Montreal and researcher at the Public Health Agency of Canada.

A pioneer in the study of the effects of climate change on tick population dynamics, he is particularly recognised for his work on the geographical expansion of Ixodes scapularis in North America. His research combines ecological modelling, epidemiology and continental-scale surveillance of tick-borne diseases.

Joao H.F. Pedra, Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

His research integrates entomology, microbiology and immunology to better understand tick-borne diseases. Using modern tools from chemistry and biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, his team aims to elucidate the fundamental interactions between the arthropod vector, the microorganism and the mammalian host.