The International Society of Phthirapterists comprises approximately 100 clinicians, veterinary scientists, evolutionary biologists, and taxonomists working on various aspects of parasitic louse biology. The Society aims to advance the study of Phthiraptera (lice) and louse-borne diseases in all its aspects of theory, principles, methodology, and practice. With this object in mind the Society is organized and operated as a non-profit organization exclusively for scientific and educational purposes. Anyone who is interested in the object of the Society and endorses the Society Constitution is eligible for membership.
Vision for the Society and its Council
The society was formed to enhance channels of communication and activity between its members pursuant to the study of lice and louse-borne disease. In this regard the principal activities of the council members should not extend significantly beyond their normal scholarly activities. i.e., the planning and oversight of the next congress, the continued development of the Phthiraptera.org website, and the support of colleagues research and educational work, especially that of students. In the past these activities have proceeded without the formation of a society, and the society’s new council should be mindful of this fact. Forming a society simply provides an opportunity for the collective recognition its members work, and signals that its members wish to be identified in this way. The level of activity by the new council should be commensurate these benefits.