ABACBS 2025 Frequently Asked Questions 

Will there be travel fellowships?

Yes we are planning to support as many members as we can to attend. However, we are currently in the process of finalising sponsors and meeting finances to figure out just how many members we can support. We will open applications for travel fellowships in August and announce outcomes in late September (precise dates to follow).

Will there be poster and talk awards?

Absolutely, details will be made available closer to the conference.

How much does it cost to REGISTER FOR for ABACBS 2025?

Below are an overview of the early bird rates (AUD), valid until 26 September. For the full list of options and combinations, see the link on the conference home page.

  • ABACBS Conference (2 days): $470 (members), $330 (students), or $580 (non-members)

  • ABACBS + COMBINE (3 days): $540 (members), $380 (students), or $640 (non-members)

  • COMBINE alone: $200 (members), $150 (students), or $250 (non-members)

  • EMCR Shark Tank alone: $100 (members), or $150 (non-members)

  • SBEI alone: $200 (members), $150 (students), or $250 (non-members)

We’ve worked hard to keep costs as low as possible. Running a conference of this size is a big undertaking, and our aim is to break even as any shortfall has to be covered by the society. Any surplus will be either be fed back to members through travel scholarships or back into the society to support our community.

How do I submit an abstract?

Abstract submissions will open on July 11th. There is a link right at the top of the conference home page with instructions. Abstract submissions will close on August 8th.

What is COMBINE?

COMBINE is the Australian Computational Biology And Bioinformatics Student Society. They host their annual symposium on the Monday before the main ABACBS conference, showcasing student research and providing networking opportunities.

What is SBEI?

SBEI (Symposium on Bioinformatics and Engineered Intelligence) is the annual symposium run by the ABACBS professional subcommittee. This year it is focused on GenAI across AgTech, Biotech and HealthTech.

What is the EMCR Shark Tank?

The EMCR Shark Tank is a full-day event focused on developing pitching skills for researchers. Participants get tailored feedback on how to communicate their research ideas effectively to a variety of audiences. This event is organised by the ABACBS postdoc subcommittee to help researchers build their network while developing practical skills.

Will there be carer support or childcare options?

Yes. We’ve booked an extra room at the conference venue to serve as a carers’ room. If you plan to bring a partner, friend, or support person to help with childcare during the day, please let us know. Based on feedback from previous years, this flexible approach has worked best. We’re committed to supporting our community—if you need additional childcare support, please reach out to the organising committee so we can discuss options. See contact details on the conference home page

Will there be a virtual stream?

Yes. We’re partnering with the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) to deliver a virtual component via their platform. More details will be shared closer to the conference.

How can I ask another question?

Jump on over to the ABACBS slack (https://abacbs.slack.com) or email conference@abacbs.org