About Us

Our mission is to drive excellence in bioinformatics and chemoinformatics research by funding innovative projects, promoting open science, and offering specialized training. Through peer-reviewed grant-making and collaborative partnerships, we address scientific challenges and support breakthroughs in data-driven biological and chemical research. With a commitment to transparency and diversity, our work impacts global scientific communities.

The UK Association for Biotechnology & Computational Science (UKABCS) is a UK-registered non-profit academic society, officially founded in 2025 to serve as a trusted platform uniting research, education, and industry in the fields of biotechnology and computational science.

The UK Organization for Biotechnology & Computational Science (UKABCS) is a UK-registered non-profit Organization , incorporated as UK Organization for Biotechnology and Computational Science (UKABCS) Ltd — a non-profit company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act 2006,Company Number: 16686581, registered in England and Wales.The Association operates as a non-profit entity with activities classified under:

  • 72110 – Research and experimental development on biotechnology
  • 72190 – Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
  • 62012 – Business and domestic software development
  • 85422 – Post-graduate level higher education

Incorporated in 2025, UKABCS serves as a bridge between research, education, and industry — promoting excellence, transparency, and international collaboration in biotechnology and computational science.

We believe that integrating computational approaches with modern biology is the fastest and most effective way to deliver real-world solutions to some of the greatest global challenges, including chronic diseases, global pandemics, climate change, food security, and novel drug discovery.

The association acts as a bridge between universities, research institutes, and industry partners, ensuring that scientific knowledge is effectively translated from laboratories into real-world applications.

Through our platform, we provide access to research funding and grant opportunities, deliver training programmes, professional diplomas, and mentorship, and support scientific publishing and international conferences via a growing network of partners spanning the UK, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

UKABCS operates with a commitment to excellence, fairness, and transparency, adopting clear policies on grant-making, due diligence, conflict of interest, financial governance, and GDPR-compliant data protection, all aligned with international funder requirements and UKRI research integrity standards.

We aspire to build a more inclusive global research ecosystem, one that provides equal opportunities for young scientists, women, and underrepresented communities, while transforming scientific knowledge into meaningful global impact that improves lives and safeguards our environment.


Vision & Mission

  • Our Vision
    To become a world-leading hub uniting biotechnology and computational science, contributing innovative solutions to the most pressing global challenges, including public health, environmental sustainability, food security, and drug development. UKABCS aspires to be the academic and practical reference that empowers researchers to transform ideas into real-world applications and acts as a bridge between scientific knowledge and industry.

  • Our Mission
    Our mission is built on empowering researchers and institutions by:
    • Providing competitive research grants through a transparent, peer-reviewed process.
    • Offering specialized training programmes and professional diplomas that enhance research capacity and align with global scientific progress.
    • Supporting open scientific publishing through an international peer-reviewed journal and regular global conferences.
    • Fostering international collaboration between universities, research institutes, and industry partners.
    • Promoting equity by supporting researchers from developing countries, women scientists, and underrepresented communities.
    • Ensuring good governance, accountability, and transparency in alignment with UKRI research integrity standards.

Core Objectives

  • The UK Association for Biotechnology & Computational Science (UKABCS)operates on a set of core values that define our identity and guide all our actions. These values are not abstract concepts but concrete principles that shape our programmes, partnerships, and global initiatives:
    • Excellence: We are committed to the highest academic and scientific standards, striving to deliver impactful research outcomes that benefit society.
    • Equity & Inclusion: We ensure that opportunities for grants, training, and publishing are accessible to all researchers, with particular focus on supporting women, early-career scientists, and underrepresented communities.
    • Transparency: We maintain clear policies and openly publish our reports, budgets, and governance practices to build trust and credibility.
    • Collaboration: We believe that progress is achieved collectively; therefore, we build strong partnerships across universities, research centres, and industry.
    • Innovation: We support cutting-edge research that integrates biotechnology and computational methods to generate real-world solutions to global challenges.
    • Sustainability: We integrate environmental and social sustainability into our initiatives, ensuring that science serves future generations responsibly.

Strategic Objectives

The UK Association for Biotechnology & Computational Science (UKABCS) is driven by a set of strategic objectives that transform our vision and mission into actionable priorities. These objectives define the direction of our programmes, partnerships, and initiatives:

  1. Build Global Research Capacity: Empower universities and researchers worldwide, including those from developing regions, with cutting-edge skills and tools in biotechnology and computational science.
  2. Provide Competitive Research Grants: Design transparent, peer-reviewed funding programmes that support the most impactful and innovative projects.
  3. Offer Continuous Education & Training: Deliver workshops, professional diplomas, and mentorship programmes that equip researchers with practical skills to stay at the forefront of science.
  4. Promote Open Scientific Publishing: Strengthen global knowledge-sharing through the International Journal of Biotechnology & Computational Science (IJBTCS) and regular international conferences.
  5. Foster International Collaboration: Build strong networks connecting researchers and institutions across the UK, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America to share expertise and launch joint projects.
  6. Support Underrepresented Communities: Ensure that women, early-career scientists, and underrepresented groups have equitable access to opportunities and a strong presence in the global research landscape.
  7. Ensure Good Governance: Implement robust financial and administrative policies aligned with UKRI standards to guarantee transparency, integrity, and sustainable impact.

What We Do

  • The UK Association for Biotechnology & Computational Science (UKABCS)delivers a comprehensive range of programmes and services designed to empower researchers and strengthen global research capacity. Our activities extend beyond funding to provide a complete ecosystem that includes training, publishing, collaboration, and governance.
    1. Funding & Grants:
      • We provide competitive research grants to strengthen scientific capacity in universities and research institutions.
      • All grants undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure transparency and fairness.
      • In-kind support is also provided through access to training, publishing, and educational resources.
    2. Education & Training:
      • We organise specialized workshops covering the latest tools and techniques in biotechnology and computational science.
      • We offer accredited professional diplomas that prepare researchers and students for advanced careers in science.
      • Our mentorship programmes connect early-career researchers with international experts for guidance and career growth.
    3. Publishing & Conferences:
      • We manage the International Journal of Biotechnology & Computational Science (IJBTCS), an international peer-reviewed journal with DOI support.
      • We organise international conferences three times a year (July, November, April) in the UK and abroad.
      • We enable researchers to publish their work and participate in poster sessions, oral presentations, and academic debates.
    4. Partnerships & Collaborations:
      • We establish strategic partnerships with universities, research centres, and companies in the UK, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
      • We promote collaboration through joint projects, international grants, and global knowledge exchange networks.
    5. Equity & Inclusion:
      • Our EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) policy guarantees fair access to opportunities for all researchers.
      • We support women in science, highlighting their role as leaders in innovation.
      • We create targeted opportunities for underrepresented communities in research.

Governance & Transparency

The UK Association for Biotechnology & Computational Science (UKABCS) is committed to the highest standards of good governance and transparency, in line with UKRI requirements and international funder expectations. We believe that responsible and open management is the foundation of trust, and therefore we have established a clear governance structure and policies to ensure fairness and credibility.

  1. Board of Trustees:
    • Provides strategic oversight and ensures compliance with UK law and international standards.
    • Composed of members with academic and industry backgrounds to enhance diversity in expertise and decision-making.
    • Meets regularly to approve budgets, review policies, and monitor scientific impact.
  2. Specialized Committees:
    • Grants Review Committee: Oversees peer-reviewed and transparent evaluation of all funding applications.
    • Finance & Audit Committee: Manages budgeting, financial reporting, and external auditing processes.
    • Ethics & EDI Committee: Ensures compliance with ethical standards and promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  3. Core Policies:
    • Due Diligence Policy: Ensures eligibility and credibility of applicants and partners.
    • Conflict of Interest Policy (COI): Guarantees full disclosure and prevents biased decision-making.
    • Financial Governance Policy: Provides a clear framework for budget management and accountability.
  4. Reporting & Transparency:
    • Annual reports are published to showcase activities, awarded grants, and impact.
    • Externally audited financial statements are released to ensure compliance and accountability.
  5. Open Access & Data Management:
    • UKABCS fully aligns with UKRI Open Access policy, requiring all funded research outputs to be openly available.
    • We encourage responsible data sharing in line with GDPR and global research integrity standards.

Global Impact

Since its establishment, the UK Association for Biotechnology & Computational Science (UKABCS) has been committed to generating tangible global impact that extends beyond the UK to reach researchers worldwide. We believe that science knows no boundaries, and international collaboration is the key to innovation and solving real-world challenges.

  1. Empowering Researchers:
    • Supporting scientists from diverse backgrounds, including those in developing countries.
    • Providing access to educational and training opportunities that were previously limited to elite institutions.
  2. Expanding Geographic Reach:
    • Building collaboration networks spanning the UK, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
    • Designing tailored programmes for Arabic-speaking researchers to bridge knowledge gaps.
  3. Advancing Scientific Publishing:
    • Through the International Journal of Biotechnology & Computational Science (IJBTCS), we enable high-quality research dissemination with DOI assignment and proper archiving.
    • Our international conferences, held three times a year, provide a global platform for knowledge exchange and networking.
  4. Institutional Capacity Building:
    • Offering capacity-building grants for universities and hospitals.
    • Delivering long-term training programmes that improve the quality and sustainability of institutional research.
  5. Scientific & Social Impact:
    • Delivering training in advanced areas such as computer-aided drug design and AI in life sciences.
    • Actively supporting women and early-career researchers, integrating them into international projects as part of our commitment to equity and inclusion.

Join Us

We invite researchers, universities, institutions, and industry partners to join the mission of the UK Association for Biotechnology & Computational Science (UKABCS). We believe that collaboration is the most effective way to create impact, and that every researcher or institution can play a role in building a better future for science and society.With UKABCS, you can:

  • Apply for Research Grants: Access funding opportunities to support your projects.
  • Join Training Programmes: Participate in workshops and professional diplomas designed to develop your skills.
  • Publish in our International Journal (IJBTCS): Disseminate your research in a peer-reviewed platform with DOI and recognized archiving.
  • Attend International Conferences: Present your findings and connect with a global scientific community.
  • Build New Partnerships: Collaborate with universities, research centres, and companies worldwide.

We welcome everyone, and reaffirm our commitment to transparency, fairness, and diversity, ensuring that UKABCS is a safe and inclusive space for all researchers. 

Discover Our Programmes →

Apply for Grants →

Partner With Us →