Bioinformaticians, welcome to the first APBConnect.

Come and join industry professionals for an engaging bioinformatics networking event!

Why Attend?

Whether you're a student, early-career researcher, or seasoned professional, this is your opportunity to connect with Australia’s growing bioinformatics-in-industry community.

What’s on the agenda?

  • Entrepreneurship sessions

  • Launch of the Australian Bioinformatics Service Alliance (ABSA)

  • Career pathway discussions with leaders from research and industry

  • Networking with experts, peers & organisations

Date: 26th August 2025

Time: 1:30-5:30pm

Location: WEHI Auditorium, Parkville, VIC 3050

This event is free to attend but registration is required for catering purposes.

APBConnect 2025 is possible thanks to our generous sponsors:

 
 

Confirmed speakers and panellists:

Agenda

Download as pdf

Time Session Details
1:30 – 2:15 PM Arrival & Registration
Part 1: Platforms & Translational Impact
2:15 – 2:20 PM Welcome & Acknowledgement of Country & Opening Remarks – Vision for Breaking Silos in Bioinformatics
  • Dr. Amit Kumar
2:20 – 2:45 PM Talk 1 Launch of Australian Bioinformatics Service Alliance
  • Dr. Laura Dagley – WEHI
  • Dr. Jason Li – Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
  • Dr. Göknur Giner – WEHI
  • Dr. Laura Perlaza-Jiménez - Monash University
  • Dr. Jan Schroeder- Doherty Institute
2:45 – 3:00 PM Talk 2 Melaseq: Advancing melanoma diagnosis—From concept to commercialisation
  • Dr. Ryan Van Laar – Geneseq Biosciences
3:00 – 3:30 PM Panel Discussion From Bench to Business – Bioinformatician turned entrepreneur
  • Assoc. Prof Andrew Webb – Mass Dynamics
  • Dr. Natalie Thorne – Genomical
  • Dr. George Feast – CSIRO
  • Dr. Ryan Van Laar – Geneseq Biosciences
  • Moderator: Dr. Amit Kumar
3:30 – 4:00 PM Networking Break Afternoon Tea & Networking Break in the foyer
Part 2: Industry Application & Careers Pathways
4:00 – 4:30 PM Lightning Talks Industry Applications (3×10mins):
  • Dr. Belinda Cornes – Doppledata
  • Dr. Natalie Thorne – Genomical
  • Dr. Lynn Fink – LifeStrands Genomics
4:30 – 4:35 PM Sponsor Talks QIAGEN Digital Insights
  • Dr. Sean Liu
4:35 – 5:05 PM Panel Discussion Careers in Bioinformatics: Academia to Industry & Back
  • Prof. Tony Papenfuss – WEHI
  • Prof. Mirana Ramialison – MCRI
  • Dr. Lynn Fink – LifeStrands Genomics
  • Dr. Ying He – CSL
  • Moderator: Dr. Chris Love
5:05 – 5:10 PM Closing Remarks and call for continued collaboration – Building a Connected Bioinformatics Community
  • Dr. Amit Kumar
5:30 – 7 PM Networking, drinks and food Naughtons Hotel (43 Royal Parade, Parkville)
 

Accessibility

  • This venue is wheelchair accessible.

Organising Committee

  • Amit Kumar, Monash Health, Victoria

  • Paul Wang, WEHI, Victoria

  • Richard Lupat, PeterMac, Victoria

  • Adele Barugahare, Monash University, Victoria

  • Anubhav Kaphle, CSIRO, Victoria

  • Chris Love, Geneseq Biosciences, Victoria

  • Mansi Aggarwal, Mass Dynamics, Victoria

Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this event will take place. We honour their enduring connection to land, waters, and culture, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.