Australasian
Genomic
Technologies
Association
Advancing and promoting genomic technologies in Australasia.
About Us
The Australasian Genomic Technologies Association (AGTA) is a Not-for-Profit Association formed in 2001. Our mission is to promote genomics research and excellence in the application of genomic technologies, including next-generation sequencing and genome data analysis, across Australasia.
As a leading organisation in the genome research community, AGTA is guided by an experienced executive management committee. Our hundreds of members range from established experts to PhD students who benefit from opportunities designed to foster the next generation of genome technology leaders.
AGTA’s activities are diverse and impactful. We organise workshops, online events, and a must-attend, annual face-to-face scientific meeting. We showcase advancements in genome technologies, highlight new innovations in next-generation sequencing, and feature national and international keynote speakers. These events not only promote genomics research but also provide a platform for the exchange of expertise within the genome research community.
With strong industry support, our sponsors contribute to our conferences and trade exhibitions, ensuring that AGTA remains at the forefront of genome technology advancement and driving progress and innovation in genomics.
Our Vision
A world where the power of genomics is fully realised for the benefit of society
Our Mission
To connect Australasia’s genomics community in ways that advance innovation, collaboration, and education.
AGTA proudly stands by its values of:
Scientific Excellence
Collaboration
Inclusion & Diversity
Innovation
Community-focus
Annual Scientific Conference
AGTA’s annual genomics conference was held at the Cairns Conference Centre in Cairns, Australia, from October 13th to 16th. The event brought together researchers, industry representatives, and students from national and international groups to discuss the latest genomics research.
The conference highlighted AGTA’s strong industry alignment, with 18 exhibitors and sponsors showcasing the latest in genomic technologies and services. The organising committee and this year’s co-convenors, Dr Liz Christie and A/Prof Matt Field, gratefully acknowledge the industry support shown at this event.
2025 Conference:
We are excited to announce that AGTA will host the next annual Australasian Genomics Conference in Sydney from the 13th – 15th of October, 2025.
Join us for an inspiring program featuring distinguished national and international keynote speakers who will share insights on the latest advancements in genomics research. Stay tuned for further information, including early-bird registrations and abstract submissions.
AGTA Membership
Joining AGTA ensures that you stay at the forefront of genome technologies in Australasia and benefit from the expertise and support of a collaborative genomics community.
- Affordable Membership: Competitively priced membership fees, student discounts.
- Genomics Community Collaboration: Collaborate with fellow members across disciplines and organisations within genomics. Share best practices and advocate via our partnership with Science and Technology Australia (STA).
- Discount AGTA conference registration for AGTA and affiliate associations e.g., ABACBS for 2024.
- Exclusive Content: Access to member-only website content, such as AGTA webinars and PhD scholarships.
- Cutting-Edge Knowledge: Access the latest advancements in genome technologies through AGTA’s networks and their must-attend events.
- Student Benefits: Special/additional benefits for students, including genomics scholarship opportunities.
- Receive special alerts for scholarships and job opportunities.
- Showcase Opportunities: Present your research, achievements, and contributions to the genomics community.
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
- Strategic Growth: A refreshed growth strategy including new marketing and communication approaches.
PhD Top-Up Scholarship
The AGTA PhD Top-Up Scholarship offers $3,000 AUD per annum for up to 3 years, plus free annual AGTA conference registration. It supports PhD scholars using or developing genomic technologies and tools in biology, biotechnology, and health. This scholarship aims to foster innovation and advance understanding in genomics.
We are thrilled to announce that the 2024 AGTA PhD Scholarship has been awarded to Eva Paulus of James Cook University for her project, “Population Genomics of Dugongs in Australia”. Eva is an exceptional PhD candidate whose research utilises whole-genome sequencing to tackle critical conservation challenges in Australia. Her work promises to provide vital insights into dugong population genetics, significantly contributing to their long-term conservation and management.
Keep an eye out for updates and application details regarding the 2025 scholarship.
Managing Executive
The AGTA Managing Executive comprises 12-14 members including office bearers, conference co-convenors and an industry officer. They are senior scientists with significant expertise in their specific subdiscipline of genomics, genomic technologies or genomic data analysis who meet on a regular basis to discuss strategic and operational matters required for the day-to-day management and sustainability of the Association.
Mark Cowley
President
A/Prof Mark Cowley is Deputy Director (Enabling Platforms and Collaboration) at the Children’s Cancer Institute. His research program develops computational tools for precision medicine, mostly focussed on the … rapid, accurate analysis of whole genome, transcriptome and methylome data. He has made major advances, demonstrating unprecedentedly high rates of diagnosis of patients with genetic diseases and cancer. Mark plays a key role in the Zero Childhood Cancer Program, Australia’s leading precision medicine program for all children and young people with cancer.
Nic Waddell
Vice President
Dr Nic Waddell is currently the Medical Genomics Group Leader at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, the Cancer Program coordinator, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and an NHMRC Senior Research Fellow. … Nic was awarded her PhD in 2003 from the University of Leicester. She undertook post docs at QIMR Berghofer and UQ before establishing her research group at QIMR Berghofer. Her program of research uses bioinformatic and genomic approaches to address clinical challenges in cancer. She collaborates extensively with researchers and clinicians, and is part of Australian Genomics and Queensland Genomics.
Sandra Fitzgerald
Treasurer
Sandra is a Research Fellow at the University of Auckland, and her research focuses on developing highly sensitive technologies for the detection of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the blood of cancer patients. She …collaborates extensively with researchers and oncologists from all over New Zealand to drive the translation of minimally invasive liquid biopsy technologies into clinical implementation.
Mark Van Der Hoek
Outgoing Treasurer
Mark is currently employed at Flinders University in the College of Medicine and Public Health. After graduating from the University of Adelaide in Chemistry, he was initially employed in the private sector before moving to … the Hanson Centre for Cancer Research in the mid 90’s. Following this he worked for a number of local biotechnology companies before moving back to SA Pathology in 2001 to help establish Adelaide’s first genomics facility, the Adelaide Microarray Centre, and later helped manage the ACRF Cancer Genomics Facility. In 2014 he established and managed the SAHMRI Genomics Facility which became the foundation of the South Australian Genomics Centre (SAGC) in 2020.
Katherine Pillman
Secretariat
Dr. Katherine Pillman leads the Gene Regulation Bioinformatics Group at the Centre for Cancer Biology in South Australia. Her team takes a computational biology approach to understanding gene regulation and …transcriptomics in cancer, with a special emphasis on the children’s cancer neuroblastoma, as well as other epithelial cancers. She is a current Col Reynolds Fellows for The Kids Cancer Project and Mavis Robertson Fellow for NBCF.
Ruby Lin
Immediate past Vice President
Ruby Lin is an accomplished executive leader with over 25 years of experience in life sciences, biotechnology, and translational research. She has secured over AUD$17 million in funding, focusing on genomic medicine’s translation… clinical practice. A passionate advocate for women in STEMM, Ruby mentors students and scientists, and contributes to various initiatives, including serving as the Genomic Chair for Westmead Research Precinct, holds executive roles in the Australasian Genomic Technologies Association and an independent school in NSW. Her expertise encompasses genomics, cardiovascular disease, cancer biology, and infectious diseases with more than 120 high-impact publications. Ruby actively engages in community service, including mentoring and pro bono career coaching, while also serving on several scientific journal editorial boards.
Kirby Siemmering
Industry and Investments Officer
Liz Christie
Co-convenor, AGTA 2024
Dr Liz Christie is a Group Leader in the Cancer Evolution and Metastasis Program at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne. Her lab uses multi-omics approaches to understand disease recurrence and treatment resistance …in ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Helena Mangs
Organising Committee AGTA-2024, Director
Dr. Helena Mangs is the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics at UNSW Sydney. This core facility provides high-throughput genomic services …both within Australia and globally. Before her current position, she oversaw transcriptomics workflows and teams as a Service Manager at the Centre (2011-2021). Between 2008 and 2011, she was an NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow, conducting research on prostate cancer at the University of Sydney. She has extensive experience in genomics and is passionate about facilitating access to genomic technologies and educating the next generation of researchers.
Sam Buckberry
Lead, AGTA Scholarship
Sam is a biologist who works at the intersection of epigenetics, genomics, bioinformatics, medical research and public health. Sam currently leads the Epigenetics program in Indigenous Genomics at the Telethon Kids … Institute where the research is focused on using genomics technologies and cutting-edge data analytics to advance chronic disease prediction, prevention, and treatment. Sam also works on innovating ways to implement best practices in indigenous data sovereignty, privacy and security into state-of-the-art data systems for public and precision health.
Sam is impact-focused and enjoys developing bespoke analysis frameworks for complex biological questions. Sam has broad experience in molecular and cell biology, genomics, computer programming, high-performance computing, data visualisation and scientific project leadership.
Cath Moore
Sales & Marketing, Genome Technologies
Dr Cath Moore is the CSO at AGRF leading the Science and Technology team, responsible for research partnerships and collaborations, and the Innovation and Development program. …Cath holds a PhD in molecular genetics and is passionate about how genomic technologies can be used to advance the goals of researchers, clinicans and industry. She joined AGRF in 2020 from QIAGEN where she led the ANZ genomics market development team tasked with engaging the research community to understand emerging needs, provide technical expertise and drive new partnerships.
Anna Pilbrow
Director
Anna completed her PhD at the University of Otago, Christchurch in 2006 and undertook postdoctoral training at the Salk Institute, La Jolla, California from 2008 to 2010. Since returning to New Zealand her research has focusses on …understanding the mechanisms underlying our genetic susceptibility to heart disease. She has a particular interest in identifying genetic variants and RNA molecules circulating in our blood (including long-non coding RNAs and circular RNAs) that may signal the early stages of heart disease and contribute to a poor prognosis in heart patients. Her current research focusses on identifying genetic variants that may influence progression from coronary artery disease to heart failure.