We're back online!

After a few weeks, we're finally back online, complete with new website software. While it may not look much different to before, we've upgraded to the most recent version of Joomla!, our Content Management System.

As a result of that, there are bound to be one or two things that are missing or not working for the first few weeks - the first thing that website members will notice is the lack of forums and events calendar. We're working hard to bring these back online, but they need a few more tweaks before they're back, better than ever!

If you do notice any links that aren't working or bugs in the system, please contact the Webmasters ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Thanks for your continued support over the years!

BioFutures 2010

The BioRevolution: preparing today’s minds for tomorrow’s innovation economy.

BioFutures allows students to explore cutting edge technologies and apply these technologies to national and global challenges. With “hands on” lab visits and face-to-face contact with some of the biotechnology industry’s leading research and commercial organisations, BioFutures paves the way for the next generation of excellence in biotechnology, bio-engineering and biomedicine.
Historically, visits have included the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, major Brisbane hospitals, and industry locations. Through key events such as a mock UN summit and interactive forums which focus on bioethics and the role of technology in our economy, students are stimulated to think about biotechnology and its impact on society, as well as, are encouraged towards a career in the sciences.
BioFutures 2010 aims to:

• Promote careers and study in modern life sciences and interdisciplinary areas.
• Introduce students to the leading Queensland biotechnology research institutions and commercial companies.
• Promote awareness of social, moral, legal, and ethical issues associated with creating innovative technologies.
• Inspire the next generation of scientists towards socially responsible bio-research.
• Provide balanced, realistic information on getting into, and making the most of the university experience.
• Provide an environment for like-minded people to socialise, and build lasting friendships.

The cost for the week is $345 per student, and this includes food and accommodation for the entire forum. Students who are accepted will, however, need to provide their own transport to the venue.
Student applications open now! Visit www.ausbiotech.org/biofutures or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This is a report written by Christopher Gaffee about Biofutures 2009:

The completion of BioFutures 2009 this winter has seen one of the greatest years of the event come to a very nostalgic end. As part of the 10th anniversary since the forum began students took part in a number of special activities that celebrated the success of BioFutures over the last decade. A new addition to the program was a formal dinner where students had the chance to mingle with leading scientists from around Brisbane, over a meal, as well as meeting past students and staff of BioFutures that are now in their early careers. This was such a great success it seems it will now become part of the ever expanding forum.

Students, staff and special guests were also treated to some leading research presented at the BioFutures Keynote Address by Professor Nick Martin from QIMR , that was only published just days before being shown his ground-breaking work. After touring The Queensland Institute of Medical Research and Queensland Pathology Laboratories, being made to work hard in workshops and lectures run at Griffith, QUT and UQ and debating topics at the mock UN summit it was finally time to party hard at the BioFutures Dance. This was run in conjunction with the Australian Youth Aerospace Forum providing students with more opportunities to meet like-minded science students while having plenty of fun.

It seems that BioFutures, yet again, successfully instilled some enthusiasm for scientific study within the students who attended this special forum. For those unlucky enough to have missed the action-packed week we urge you to apply for next year!