APBC Strategic Plan 2026–2028

Shaping the Future of Professional Bioinformatics in Australia

The ABACBS Professional Bioinformatics Community (APBC) represents and supports bioinformaticians and computational biologists working across industry, government, clinical services, and research translation.

Our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan builds on the foundation established during 2023–2025 and sets a clear direction for professional growth, national influence, and long-term sustainability.

Our Mission

To drive the future of bioinformatics in Australia by advocating for collaboration across sectors and empowering a diverse community of professionals with the skills, standards, and support needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Our Vision

Where bioinformatics, AI, and people come together to shape Australia’s future.

Why This Strategy Matters

Bioinformatics is evolving rapidly. Artificial intelligence is transforming workflows. Clinical genomics is expanding. Industry investment is increasing. Regulatory frameworks are adapting.

APBC exists to ensure that professional bioinformaticians are not only prepared for this transformation — but leading it.

This strategy focuses on:

  • Preparing the workforce for an AI-driven future

  • Strengthening partnerships across industry, government, and academia

  • Building recognised accreditation and career frameworks

  • Creating a sustainable and financially independent professional community

  • Providing meaningful opportunities to contribute, lead, and be recognised

Our Priority Focus Areas

1. AI Readiness & Workforce

We support bioinformaticians to become AI-literate, ethical, and future-ready professionals.

This includes:

  • Training in responsible AI use

  • Understanding regulatory and governance requirements

  • Positioning bioinformaticians as AI-informed decision-makers and interpreters

  • Contributing to national AI discussions and standards

2. Entrepreneurship & Industry

We connect our community to real-world opportunities across biotech, pharma, medtech, digital health, agriculture, and start-ups.

This includes:

  • Industry engagement events

  • Start-up ecosystem support

  • Industry directories and networking platforms

  • Partnerships that create career mobility and innovation pathways

3. Accreditation & Recognition

We advance professional recognition for bioinformaticians through:

  • National career frameworks

  • Accreditation pathway development

  • Engagement with regulators and policymakers

  • Advocacy for inclusion in professional and skilled occupation frameworks

Bioinformatics is a profession. Our goal is formal recognition.

Strategic Goals (2026–2028)

Goal 1: Equip Bioinformaticians for Ethical AI Practice

APBC will ensure professionals are confident, responsible users of AI tools.

2026 Objectives:

  • Publish an “AI Skills Needs for Industry Bioinformatics Roles” report

  • Launch the APBC Podcast: AI for Bioinformatics Series (bi-monthly episodes)

Goal 2: Contribute to National AI & Bioinformatics Policy

APBC will become a trusted voice in policy and standards discussions.

2026 Objectives:

  • Publish quarterly AI & Bioinformatics thought leadership blogs

  • Identify key government and non-government stakeholders in genomics and AI

  • Publish a policy brief on “The Role of Bioinformaticians in Healthcare (including Responsible AI Adoption)”

Goal 3: Support Australia’s Bioinformatics Start-Up Ecosystem

APBC will help connect founders, professionals, researchers, and investors.

2026 Objectives:

  • Organise an annual SBEI Symposium

  • Establish a national bioinformatics industry directory

Goal 4: Connect Professionals to Real-World Opportunities

APBC will act as a connector across the bioinformatics value chain.

2026 Objectives:

  • Launch a dedicated APBC website

  • Deliver APBC Connect events across major Australian cities

Goal 5: Establish National Career & Accreditation Frameworks

APBC will champion professional recognition and structured career progression.

2026 Objectives:

  • Establish a bioinformatics career framework for Australia

  • Develop a framework for accreditation programs

Goal 6: Build a Sustainable Financial Model

APBC will develop diversified funding and financial autonomy.

2026 Objectives:

  • Establish a policy for autonomous financial operations

  • Develop a multi-source funding strategy to ensure long-term sustainability

The Landscape We’re Navigating

The 2026–2028 period will be transformative. Key trends shaping our strategy include:

  • AI transformation and ethical integration

  • Data harmonisation and interoperability

  • Accreditation and professional recognition

  • Workforce development and micro-credentialing

  • Infrastructure sustainability and cloud adoption

  • Industry collaboration and biotech investment growth

  • Data privacy and genomic security

APBC positions itself as a connector across research, clinical practice, industry, and policy.

Sustainability & Partnerships

APBC’s long-term impact depends on five pillars:

  1. Diversified Funding
    Membership growth, grants, sponsorship tiers, and structured partnerships.

  2. Strategic Partnerships
    Collaboration with regulators, national initiatives, industry bodies, and biotech companies.

  3. Volunteer Sustainability
    Micro-volunteering models and recognition pathways to reduce burnout and increase engagement.

  4. Professional Recognition
    APBC Fellows and Ambassador titles to highlight leadership and contribution.

  5. Structured Programs
    Scalable initiatives such as Professional Skills Accelerator webinars, career-transition panels, biotech roundtables, and an Annual APBC Partners Program.

Governance & Leadership

APBC operates through:

  • An Executive Committee

  • Strategy Working Group

  • AI Readiness & Workforce Working Group

  • Entrepreneurship & Industry Working Group

  • Accreditation & Recognition Working Group

This structure provides multiple entry points for members and volunteers to contribute meaningfully.

Measuring Success

We track progress through:

  • Membership growth and sector diversity

  • Annual member feedback and satisfaction

  • Engagement metrics across website, podcast, and digital platforms

  • Delivery of strategic objectives and published outputs

Accountability and measurable impact are central to this strategy.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

APBC stands at a critical inflection point.

The bioinformatics profession is gaining recognition. AI is reshaping the field. Industry and government engagement is accelerating.

Whether you are:

  • Early in your career

  • Leading teams in industry or government

  • Exploring entrepreneurial ventures

  • Seeking policy influence or professional recognition

APBC provides community, connection, and influence.

Together, we are building the professional home for bioinformaticians in Australia — and shaping where bioinformatics, AI, and people come together to define the future.