About

The Australian Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Society Inc or ABACBS (pronounced ˈabəkəs (abacus)) is the national scientific and professional society and peak body for bioinformatics and computational biology in Australia.

Our Aims

The Australian Bioinformatics And Computational Biology Society (ABACBS, pron.ˈabəkəs) is focused on the science and profession of bioinformatics and computational biology in Australia.

ABACBS aims to

  • strengthen our science and profession

  • encourage and support students

  • provide representation and advocacy

  • promote interaction and awareness.

Our Vision

The vision of ABACBS is

  • for excellence in the science and profession of bioinformatics and computational biology

  • for good career opportunities in bioinformatics and computational biology

  • for people to understand why bioinformatics and computational biology are important.

What we do

The ABACBS runs a annual conference for bioinformatics and computational biology. The annual conference aims to:

  • offer an excellent scientific program with presentations from scientific leaders and innovators,

  • provide an opportunity to discuss and develop the craft of bioinformatics

  • provide a forum for mid- and early-career bioinformatics presentations

  • promote diversity across genders and career stage

  • foster student involvement through the COMBINE Symposium and student talks

  • operate sustainably and responsibly

  • provide a venue for relevant satellite workshops.

ABACBS supports multiple regional events, including Sydney Bioinformatics Research Symposium, diverse events in Melbourne (for example Joining the Dots: The Art and Science of Data Visualisation), and social meet ups.

ABACBS supports students via bursaries, prizes and awards, and through the COMBINE Student Sub-committee.

ABACBS acts as an advocate for bioinformatics and computational biology to government and funding bodies.

ABACBS enables us to run events responsibly through protection from liability (as an incorporated association) and insurance. It also provides banking and e-commerce.

Our History

ABACBS was established in 2014 following broad consultation with the Australian bioinformatics and computational biology community with support from the Australian Bioinformatics Network.