The Zoology Department houses a number of research groups working on the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. The topics explored range from pathogen life-history strategies and corresponding host defences to the interaction of hosts and pathogens at a community level. We continue the tradition, initiated by Robert May, of using mathematical modelling techniques to understand these complex systems, and also have a strong representation in laboratory and field research. There is an emphasis, in most cases, on disease control as well as progress in basic biology.