Who we are

The Victorian Biodiversity Conference (VicBioCon) is an annual scientific conference focused on highlighting biodiversity-related research and management projects based in the state of Victoria, Australia. The conference is held over three days towards the beginning of each year and is organised by a dedicated team of post-graduate students and professionals from a number of Victorian universities and organisations. We are entirely not-for-profit, and each conference would not be possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors.

Our history

VicBioCon began in 2017 as a grassroots initiative led by students from across Victoria who recognised the need for a low-cost, accessible conference that could:

  • Create a platform where students and early-career professionals could present their work and engage meaningfully with established leaders in the field through plenaries, panels, and networking opportunities

  • Showcase the world-leading research and innovative biodiversity projects being driven by or involving Victorian institutions

  • Strengthen cross-sector networks between academia, government, and industry

From those beginnings, VicBioCon has grown into a much-anticipated annual event, entirely organised by volunteers. Each year, our reach and impact have expanded.

Aims

 

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 2026 conference at the University of Melbourne was attended by 500 people, including current students, local council and government employees, academics, NGO professionals and ecological consultants from across Victoria. A breaking barriers grant is 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.

2026 Committee

  • Pip Bell (she/her)

    UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
    Co-Chair

  • Ashlen Campbell (she/her)

    DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
    Co-Chair

  • Sally Burgemeestre (she/her)

    DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
    Co-Chair

  • Sarah Treby (she/her)

    UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

  • Beau Shrimpton (he/they)

    MONASH UNIVERSITY

  • Lani Mott (she/her)

    VEGETATION LINK

  • Kimberley Colman

  • Bec Morris (she/her)

    THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

  • Son Thai (he/him)

    FEDERATION UNIVERSITY

  • Christian Theodosiou (he/him)

    UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

  • Beiyu Zhang (she/her)

    UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

  • Charlie Disher (he/him)

    DEAKIN UNIVERSITY

  • Belinda McPhee (she/her)

    UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

  • Ainsley Power Walters

  • Ranudi Kariyawasam (she/her)

    DEAKIN UNIVERSITY

  • Luping Zhang (she/her)

    UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Join the Committee

 

If you're interested in diving into the world of conference planning and making magic happen, well, look no further. We are always looking for biodiversity-buffs like YOU to join the organising committee! 

Email us at vicbiocon@gmail.com