The Department of Parasitology stands out for its high quality scientific production, with international recognition. As of the late 80s, under the leadership of Erney Camargo, the Department regained its national leadership with the recruitment of biochemists, molecular biologists, immunologists and epidemiologists as faculty members. All present faculty members maintain research laboratories with substantial external financial support. More than half of them receive scholarship for scientific productivity from CNPq.

The Department takes part in four CNPq national science and technology institutes “Institutos Nacionais de Ciência e Tecnologia” (INCTs) as follows:  Molecular Entomology, Vaccine, Structural Biotechnology and Medicinal Chemistry in Infectious Diseases and Medical Population Genetics; in addition to large research networks funded by CNPq, CAPES and FINEP, focused on malaria, leishmaniasis and dengue.

In the international scenario, the Department coordinates studies on trypanosomatids and malaria in Africa funded by the CNPq Pro-Africa Program.  It is also engaged in projects funded by the European Community, Health World Organization, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the United States and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This Department also houses the Brazilian component of one of the Centers of Excellence in Malaria Research funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the United States.