APBConnect: The Future of Bioinformatics in Industry
Where code meets cure. Connect with the minds shaping Australia’s biotech revolution.
Accelerate Your Career. Build Your Network.
The data revolution in biology is happening right now—and it’s happening in industry.
Whether you are a student looking for your first break, an early-career researcher mapping out your next move, or a seasoned professional looking to collaborate, APBConnect is your bridge to Australia’s booming bioinformatics sector.
It’s an interactive, high-energy afternoon designed to spark ideas, build partnerships, and open doors.
What’s on the Agenda?
We’ve packed three hours with high-value sessions designed to give you actionable insights and real connections.
Entrepreneurship Talks: Discover how cutting-edge research becomes real-world biotech products and companies.
Career Pathway Discussions: Hear directly from leaders who successfully transitioned between academia, research, and major industry players.
High-Value Networking: Chance to meet with the experts, peers, and organizations that are actively innovating.
APBConnect 2026 is possible thanks to our generous sponsors:
Speakers and Panelists
Program Details
| Time | Session | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 – 2:00 PM | Arrival & Registration | |
| Part 1: Platforms & Translational Impact | ||
| 2:00 – 2:05 PM | Welcome & Acknowledgement of Country & Opening Remarks – Vision for Breaking Silos in Bioinformatics | |
| 2:05 – 2:25 PM | Talk 1 | Assoc. Prof. Andrew Webb (Mass Dynamics) |
| 2:25 – 2:45 PM | Talk 2 | Elle Phillips (Innovation Victoria) |
| 2:45 - 3:15 PM | Panel Discussion |
From Bench to Business – Bioinformatician turned entrepreneur
Moderated by Dr. Amit Kumar |
| 3:15 – 3:45 PM | Networking Break | Afternoon Tea & Networking Break |
| Part 2: Industry Application & Careers Pathways | ||
| 3:45 – 4:00 PM | Talk 3 | Dr. Dylan Sheerin (CSL) |
| 4:00 – 4:10 PM | Talk 4 | Dr. Jason Li (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) |
| 4:10 – 4:25 PM | Talk 5 | Dr. Benjamin Goudey (Australian BioCommons) |
| 4:25 – 4:55 PM | Panel Discussion |
Careers in Bioinformatics: Academia to Industry & Back
Moderated by Dr. Chris Love |
| 4:55 – 5:00 PM | Closing Remarks and call for continued collaboration – Building a Connected Bioinformatics Community | |
| 5:30 – 7 PM | Networking Drinks | Prince Alfred Carlton, 191 Grattan St, Carlton VIC 3053 |
Date: 13th August, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm - 5 pm
Location: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne (Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Level 7, Lecture Theatre B)
Organising Committee
Amit Kumar, Monash Health, Victoria
Paul Wang, WEHI, Victoria
Richard Lupat, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria
Mansi Aggarwal, Mass Dynamics, Victoria
Chris Love, Geneseq Biosciences, Victoria
Adele Barugahare, Monash University, Victoria
Inam ul haq Azad, University of Melbourne, 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.
