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ASBMB Profile

The Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)

Foundation President of the Australian Biochemical Society, Professor Rudi Lemberg
Foundation President of the Australian Biochemical Society, Professor Rudi Lemberg. Image courtesy of the Australian Academy of Science
The Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology unites biochemists and molecular biologists from around Australia. The Society was established in 1955 as the Australian Biochemical Society. It underwent a name change to incorporate molecular biology in 1990. A full history of the Society was published by IUBMB Life in 2010 and is freely available online. ASBMB is devoted to promoting research, new developments and education in biochemistry and molecular biology. It achieves this in several ways, as described below.

OzBio2010 plenary lecturer Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty
OzBio2010 plenary lecturer Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty.
ASBMB coordinates the national scientific conference ComBio, run in conjunction with other societies. The program always features prominent international speakers alongside a range of high calibre Australian presenters. Meeting themes cover a wide range of topics to appeal across the spectrum of interests of biochemists and molecular biologists. At ComBio, young scientists are given the vital opportunity to present their work, and all delegates benefit from networking during scientific and social events. Attendees learn about cutting-edge technology at the trade exhibition run by ASBMB's Sustaining Members.

ASBMB's colourful magazine, the Australian Biochemist
ASBMB's colourful magazine, the Australian Biochemist.
ASBMB publishes a scientific, educational and informative magazine, the Australian Biochemist, three times a year. It is sent to all members as hard copy and is also available to members online. The Showcase on Research features a series of themed articles by Australian biochemists and molecular biologists. There are also special features on technical developments or education from time to time. The Australian Biochemist is full of useful information to keep members up-to-date with relevant scientific and personal news in Australia and abroad.

ASBMB President Professor Ian Dawes awards 2010 Lemberg Medallist Professor Richard Harvey.
ASBMB President Professor Ian Dawes awards 2010 Lemberg Medallist Professor Richard Harvey.
ASBMB recognises excellence by providing several competitive Medals and Awards for members at varying stages of their scientific careers. Travel fellowships are also awarded to outstanding PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to attend international conference and to further their scientific development.

ASBMB is involved in a broad range of activities, such as sponsoring and supporting special interest groups, symposia, workshops, conferences and School Science competitions. The Society sends representatives to Science Meets Parliament Day to put forward the opinions of its constituents to Federal politicians in Canberra.

ASBMB participates in Science Meets Parliament Day to promote the interests of biochemists and molecular biologists.
ASBMB participates in Science Meets Parliament Day to promote the interests of biochemists and molecular biologists.
ASBMB also sponsors an annual Heads of Department meeting to facilitate communication on research and teaching of biochemistry and molecular biology. Our Sustaining Members sponsor events, communicate the availability of new products and represent an interface with industry.

OzBio2010 trade display and poster presentation hall.
OzBio2010 trade display and poster presentation hall.
ASBMB is a Constituent Society of the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB), and, through the Australian Academy of Science, is an Adhering Body of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB). ASBMB participates as an active member of these organisations, hosting FAOBMB / IUBMB scientific conferences from time to time in Australia. There are ASBMB representatives involved in both parent societies. ASBMB is also a member of the Federation of Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS), in the Biological Sciences category.

Mission Statement

The Society aims to advance the science and profession of both biochemistry and molecular biology by the maintenance of standards in the practice, research and teaching of these sciences by:

  1. promoting, supporting and facilitating research,
  2. facilitating the dissemination of information relating to research and teaching among professional biochemists and molecular biologists and students of these sciences by means of publications, by conducting conferences, seminars and lectures at local, national and international levels, and by facilitating interaction between Australian and international biochemists and molecular biologists,
  3. advising appropriate government, industrial and educational bodies on matters relating to research and teaching in biochemistry and molecular biology, and
  4. informing and promoting among the Australian community an appreciation of the roles of biochemistry and molecular biology, not only in the maintenance and improvement of living standards in both the Australian and international communities through its research contributions to agricultural, chemical, food, medical and pharmaceutical sciences, but also by enhancing the economy of the Australian nation through research initiatives and the development of innovative technology.

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This page last modified: February 1, 2012.