Stefanie Knopp Appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Basel

Stefanie Knopp is an epidemiologist with a primary focus on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting vulnerable population groups in low- and middle-income countries. Her main areas of research include the diagnosis, epidemiology and integrated control of helminth infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, Knopp was appointed as an Assistant Professor (without tenure track) at the University of Basel.

“Gaining an Assistant Professor position at the University of Basel as part of my Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) PRIMA grant is a major recognition of the important research we are doing to mitigate the impact of NTDs in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Said Stefanie Knopp, Group Leader at Swiss TPH.

Novel tools and strategies for breaking schistosomiasis transmission

In late 2019, Knopp started with her 5-year PRIMA grant for excellent female researchers by SNSF. Her project aims to investigate novel tools and strategies to break transmission of schistosomiasis. In Pemba, Tanzania, Knopp and her team are implementing large-scale surveys and new multidisciplinary intervention approaches to reduce schistosomiasis in endemic areas. These interventions include mass drug administration of praziquantel, snail control and behavioural change interventions as well as innovative surveillance-response approaches.

“The research pursued by Steffi through this 5-year PRIMA grant will provide definitive answers on whether or not breaking transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis is possible” said Jürg Utzinger, Director of Swiss TPH.

Helminth Interventions group at Swiss TPH

Knopp leads the newly established Helminth Interventions group at Swiss TPH, which conducts research on the control and elimination of human helminth infections. The group focuses on the application and rigorous validation of new diagnostic tools and integrated intervention strategies that can help programme managers effectively gain and sustain schistosomiasis control and break transmission.