About BrisBio
Brisbane Bioinformatics Initiative
The Brisbane Bioinformatics Initiative (BrisBio) is a coordinated, student-led and professionally supported initiative designed to address long-standing fragmentation and under-representation within the Queensland bioinformatics community.
Through flagship events and strategic partnerships, the initiative strengthens cross-sector engagement and long-term community growth while aiming to build a more connected and sustainable bioinformatics community.
Despite strong activity across universities, research institutes, and industry partners, community consultation identified challenges such as:
Limited visibility of local initiatives | Weak inter-institutional coordination | Under-representation at national forums | Insufficient industry–academic integration | Fragmented communication channels
BrisBio establishes a sustainable framework for communication, professional development, and regional representation. The Initiative integrates flagship events, digital platforms, governance structures, and partnership models to create an enduring regional bioinformatics network.
Key deliverables include
Annual QLD Bioinformatics Week
Monthly hybrid seminars: BrisBio Network Series
Community Slack and online platforms
Centralised website and resource repository
Regular social and networking events
Formation of a QLD ABACBS Subcommittee
Through these mechanisms, BrisBio will enhance collaboration, strengthen workforce pathways, and position Queensland as a nationally and internationally recognised bioinformatics hub.
Vision
To establish Brisbane as a leading, inclusive, and globally connected hub for bioinformatics research, industry, and education.
Mission
To foster collaboration, professional development, and representation across academia, industry, and students through coordinated community-driven initiatives.
Values
Inclusivity and accessibility, Cross-sector collaboration, Student leadership and mentorship, Professional integrity and transparency, Evidence-based decision making, Community ownership
To uphold high ethical standards, guide decision-making, protect all parties and foster a positive community.
Read Code of Conduct
BrisBio Founding and Organising Committee 2026
Founder, Convenor & Lead
As Founder and Convenor of BrisBio, Jade established the initiative and continues to lead its vision, strategic direction, partnerships, governance, and community development. She is also a Bioinformatics PhD candidate at Queensland University of Technology and COMBINE's Queensland Training and Events Coordinator.
Deputy Convenor and Deputy Project Lead
Diya Choudhary supports the leadership and delivery of BrisBio initiatives, including strategic planning and community engagement activities. She is a Bioinformatics PhD candidate at the Biosig Lab, The University of Queensland, and serves as COMBINE's Queensland Training and Events Officer.
Finance Lead and QLD Week Operations Lead
Malvika Kharbanda oversees financial coordination and operational delivery for BrisBio and QLD Bioinformatics Week. She is a Visiting Bioinformatics PhD candidate at the Kulasinghe Clinical-oMx Lab, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland.
Communications and Media Lead
Halimat Chisom Atanda leads communications, media, and community promotion for BrisBio. She is a Bioinformatics PhD candidate at the Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, with interests in bioinformatics research and scientific communication.
Outreach Coordinator and Institutional Engagement Lead (UniSC)
Inali Lutschini leads outreach and institutional engagement activities, helping strengthen connections between BrisBio and organisations across Queensland. She is a Bioinformatics PhD candidate with the UniSC Omics Group at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
ECR Representative and Institutional Engagement Lead (Griffith)
Oak Hatzimanolis represents early-career researchers within BrisBio and leads engagement with Griffith University and affiliated researchers. He is a bioinformatics researcher with interests spanning computational biology and collaborative research.
Statewide Calendar Lead and Central Queensland Representative
Jasmine coordinates BrisBio's statewide events calendar and supports engagement with the bioinformatics community across Central Queensland. She works to improve visibility of opportunities, events, and collaborations throughout the state.
Newsletter Lead and Communications Officer
James Barton leads the BrisBio newsletter and supports communications activities across the initiative. He helps ensure community members remain informed about events, opportunities, and developments across Queensland's bioinformatics ecosystem.
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Bespoke Partners
BrisBio Partners and Collaborators
