Melbourne to host prestigious International Biotechnology Symposium

In a major coup for the biotechnology industry and Australia, the International Biotechnology Symposium (IBS), a premier international conference in the rapidly growing field of biotechnology, is heading to Melbourne in 2016.

Following a successful bid by AusBiotech and the Melbourne Convention Bureau, the symposium will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 25-28 October 2016 in conjunction with the AusBiotech 2016 national conference.

The mission of the IBS is to promote research and development in all aspects of basic and applied biotechnology. The 2016 symposium in Melbourne is expected to attract around 3000 local and international scientists, engineers, business leaders and government officials.

The Chief Operating Officer of AusBiotech, Glenn Cross, said: “IBS 2016 will offer a unique opportunity not only to take a critical examination of the milestone achievements in biotechnology but, more significantly, to discuss how biotechnology can contribute to global sustainability in the 21st century.

“Bringing such a prestigious conference to Melbourne is wonderful news for Australian biotechnology. It provides an opportunity to contribute to global debate and to raise the profile for the Victorian biotechnology industry nationally, regionally and internationally.”

The symposium program will feature contributions from both established and young scientists and engineers, and will provide a platform for representatives from all over the world. Participants will also be able to take advantage of a technical exhibition.

The IBS is held every two years on a different continent and has previously been held in Daegu, Republic of Korea (2012); Rimini, Italy (2010); and Dalian, China (2008). The 16th International Biotechnology Symposium will be held in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2014. The Melbourne event will be managed by the AusBiotech division AusEvents (life sciences and technology events).

IBS 2016 host city Melbourne was recently crowned the globe’s most livable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit Survey in London. In the 2013 review of 140 cities, Victoria’s capital was given perfect scores for healthcare, education and infrastructure. The city and surrounds will provide delegates with an exciting range of pre- and post-conference touring options.

About the International Biotechnology Symposium (IBS)

The history of the IBS dates back to 1960 and the event is held every two years on a different continent. It is organised under the auspices of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), a body that serves to advance the worldwide aspects of the chemical sciences and to contribute to the application of chemistry in the service of humankind.