Margrit Knöpfel who was based at the MRC Unit The Gambia from December 1975 to April 1976 working on the African Trypanosomiasis in cattle project, visited The Unit on Saturday 24 October 2016. Margrit was impressed to see The Unit transformed into a world-class research institution tackling major infectious diseases of global public health importance in sub‐Saharan Africa.The project on African trypanosomiasis in cattle was conducted by a research team from Glasgow University Veterinary School and financed by Rockefeller Foundation from 1973-1976 and 1977- 1979. It was a major study developed on the African continent, initiated by the Glasgow Veterinary School which was carried out in conjunction with the veterinary department of the Gambian government. The project on African trypanosomiasis in cattle was conducted by a research team from Glasgow University Veterinary School and financed by Rockefeller Foundation from 1973-1976 and 1977- 1979. It was a major study developed on the African continent, initiated by the Glasgow Veterinary School which was carried out in conjunction with the veterinary department of the Gambian government.

Margrit Knöpfel recalls when she joined The Unit in the 70’s when Dr Ian McGregor was The Unit Director. Margrit was recruited as a Technician responsible for establishing the immunological tests for the project.

Margrit explained that the main attraction for the trypanosomiasis research in The Gambia, dating back to 1973, was mostly due to the trypanosomiasis infection in the indigenous cattle population called the N’damaby. The Gambia project was the only major research study on bovine trypanosomiasis being carried out in Africa during the 70’s. Related research also carried out in the 70’s included; diagnosis of African trypanosomiasis in cattle, chemotherapy, pathogenesis and experimental studies on trypanotolerance. According to Margrit, these were major contributions in the field of anaemia, immunosupression, diagnosis and chemotherapy; in addition, the most extensive studies ever made on the subject of trypanotolerance were carried out by the MRC in The Gambia.

When asked to comment about her visit, Margrit said, “This exceptional visit to MRCG after 40 years was a very special moment and highlight during my cruise. I received a warm welcome from Professor Umberto D’Alessandro and Sarah Michelle Fernandes. We had an intense conversation about the African Trypanosomiasis project, which I was involved in, and currently ongoing projects at The Unit. I was very impressed on the extensive growth of The Unit, with all the heterogeneous science, new buildings and the world-class research produced. I thank Professor Umberto D’Alessandro very much for making this visit possible.”