Dr James LaCourse

Research interests

My research focuses on understanding the biology, epidemiology and control of parasitic diseases that affect both human and animal health, with a particular emphasis on helminth infections in low- and middle-income countries.

I work across laboratory and field-based research using molecular epidemiology, genomics, bioinformatics and diagnostic technologies to investigate schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, Strongyloides, Fasciola and other neglected tropical diseases.

A major theme of my research is One Health, exploring how interactions between humans, livestock, wildlife and environmental change influence parasite transmission.  My recent work includes studies of hybrid schistosomes, zoonotic transmission, molecular surveillance, parasite population genetics and the development of improved diagnostic approaches.

I am also interested in research that improves education and training in tropical medicine biology, particularly the development of authentic practical teaching, laboratory education and innovative approaches to preparing future scientists and health professionals.

Biography

I am a Reader/Associate Professor in Education at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Director of Studies for the MSc Tropical Disease Biology programme, Co-Director of Studies for the MSc One Health in Tropical Disease, and Deputy Director of Studies for the BSc Global Infectious Disease programme delivered in partnership with Edge Hill University.

My career combines research, higher education and leadership in tropical medicine biology.  Following a First-Class degree in Biochemistry and a PhD at University of Wales, Aberystwyth, I undertook research into helminth biochemistry, detoxification mechanisms and drug resistance, before joining the University of Liverpool, and later LSTM.

Alongside my research, I have a strong interest in developing innovative education that prepares scientists and healthcare professionals for careers in global health. I have led the development of new postgraduate programmes, contributed to institutional educational strategy, and support colleagues through mentoring, curriculum development and professional recognition.

I am a Senior Fellow of Advance HE, Honorary Meetings Secretary of the British Society for Parasitology, an Editorial Board Member for Parasitology, and regularly contribute as an external examiner, reviewer and invited speaker nationally and internationally.

Teaching

I teach across parasitology, tropical disease biology, One Health, epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics and research methods.

My teaching philosophy centres on creating authentic learning experiences that connect fundamental biological science with real-world global health challenges.  I aim to develop students’ practical, analytical and critical thinking skills while preparing them for research, laboratory, public health and clinical careers.

Alongside teaching, I supervise MSc, MRes and PhD research projects, mentor early career researchers, and contribute to curriculum development, assessment design and educational leadership across LSTM.

I welcome enquiries from prospective PhD students interested in parasitology, neglected tropical diseases and One Health research.

Selected research publications

Spotlighting zoonotic strongyloidiasis: a semi-systematic review of threadworms within baboons highlights opportunities for human infections – Journal: Infectious Diseases of Poverty – Published: 17th June 2026

Improved serological testing for bovine schistosomiasis in Eastern Africa – Journal: Parasites and Vectors – Published: 23rd March 2026

Clinical morbidity of single or mixed schistosome species infection in two communities of southern Malawi – Journal: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences – Published: 8th January 2026

Dynamic interactions between Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mattheei and Schistosoma mansoni underscore the complex polyparasitism of intestinal schistosomiasis in southern Malawi – Journal: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences – Published: 8th January 2026

One Health insights into local transmission of zoonotic Schistosoma mattheei in southern Malawi – Journal: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences – Published: 8th January 2026

View more publications