Founded in January 1998, APBioNet is dedicated to the advancement of the field of bioinformatics, specifically, the development of the bioinformatics network infrastructure, the exchange of data and information, the development of training programs, workshops and symposia and the encouragement of collaborations in the field of bioinformatics with an Asia Pacific focus (1). To further the development of the bioinformatics network infrastructure, APBioNet has formed a partnership with the Asia-Pacific Advanced Network project (APAN).

APBioNet has developed web content and maintains servers dedicated to bioinformatics to assist collaboration and information exchange. APBioNet also has a memorandum of understanding with the Asia-Pacific International Molecular Biology Network (A-IMBN) to work with its members to promote awareness among biologists of the need to acquire bioinformatics skills.

APBioNet has also sponsored or co-sponsored or co-organised workshops and conferences in the areas of bioinformatics, molecular phylogenetics, biomolecular structural analysis, protein simulations and others, including the International Conference on Bioinformatics (InCOB’2020) held virtually in view of the ongoing SARS-CoV2 pandemic.

1- Ranganathan S, Subbiah S, Tan TW. APBioNet: the Asia-Pacific regional consortium for bioinformatics. Appl Bioinformatics. 2002;1(2):101-5. PMID: 15130849.