About the conference

The Victorian Biodiversity Conference aims to:

Showcase projects involving Victorian institutions related to biodiversity (everything from local to global projects).

Strengthen networks between Victorian institutions working on biodiversity (academia, industry, not-for-profit and government).

Highlight the exceptional work of early career researchers and professionals, while providing networking opportunities with those more established in their careers.

Who can attend?

Everyone is welcome to attend! The 2023 conference at University of Melbourne was attended by more than 350 people, including current students, local council and government employees, academics, NGO professionals and ecological consultants from across Victoria.

With the support of our generous sponsors, we are able to heavily subsidise tickets prices to only $30 for students and $60 for non-students. A breaking barriers grant is also available to help support attendance at the conference.

Diversity and inclusion

The Victorian Biodiversity Conference (VicBioCon) seeks to ensure an inclusive, welcoming, safe and accessible environment for all participants, regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental difference, politics, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or subculture. This environment includes the physical, social, virtual and cultural environment. We believe in the need for interdisciplinary study, both in terms of disciplines and participants; and in biodiversity both in terms of ecosystems and membership.

We promote diversity in all areas of activity. VicBioCon will provide an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for all delegates, and will not tolerate harassment in any form. We will vigorously and proactively reject prejudice and stereotyping wherever it is encountered in our profession. This statement has been endorsed by the VicBioCon committee and it is the responsibility of all participants to behave in the accordance with the Society’s principles of inclusivity. We reserve the right to sanction or expel participants who do not behave accordingly.

Code of conduct

All participants are expected to adhere to the Victorian Biodiversity Conference code of conduct, which can be accessed here.