New tools for Leishmania research The scientist therefore suspects that the differences in the pathogens’ behaviour are caused by variations in individual genes. Tom Beneke now intends to clarify, as part of the new Emmy Noether Research Group ‘LeishMove’, exactly how the parasites control their host cells and which variations in the Leishmania parasites are necessary for this. Disease also relevant in Europe – a threat to dogs Tom Beneke: “Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical diseases. There, he completed his PhD between 2015 and 2019, focusing on the swimming behaviour of Leishmania parasites. He is investigating how Leishmania parasites, transmitted by sand flies, spread throughout the body.