Melbourne to host premier congress in life sciences

July 16, 2026

Melbourne has secured the Congress of the Asia Oceania Human Proteome Organisation (AOHUPO), to be hosted in the city in 2027. This global gathering of experts in proteomics is held every two years and provides an important platform for advancing research in proteins and proteomes, a research field that is essential to the growth of precision medicine, pathogen detection and pharmaceutical development.

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) worked in collaboration with the Australasian Proteomics Society (APS) to secure the event, with support from the Victorian Government. The conference, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is expected to attract over 400 delegates and have an economic impact of over $1.8 million.

The AOHUPO Congress brings together proteomics and mass spectrometry researchers, biochemists and other life sciences experts from across the Asia-Oceania region for discussions, knowledge exchange and fostering both new and existing collaborations.

As a global leader in biotech and biomedical innovation, Victoria is the ideal host for this important event. In enabling precision medicine and drug discovery, the AOHUPO Congress aligns with the state’s leadership in mRNA/RNA technology development and biotechnology manufacturing, as well as fostering collaboration across the region to strengthen patient outcomes and medical innovation.

AOHUPO joins a growing list of business events coming to Melbourne in the coming years. The city recently secured the World Conference on Lung Cancer, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Congress and the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research Annual General Session.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos  
“Business events like this generate major interstate and international visitation, playing a critical role in driving economic growth and enhancing our global reputation.
“By attracting renowned researchers and industry leaders, this event will reinforce Victoria’s position as a hub for innovation and continue to build our world-class research sector.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson  
“Business event delegates bring high-value spend, extend their stays and explore the region, creating ripple effects that support jobs, stimulate local economies and showcase Melbourne and Victoria as world-class destinations. The Congress of the Asia Oceania Human Proteome Organisation will contribute to this impact by attracting international delegates who support the hospitality sector while strengthening Melbourne’s global profile.”

Quote attributable to Australasian Proteomics Society President Professor Anthony W. Purcell
“Proteomics is transforming our ability to understand disease at the molecular level. AO-HUPO 2027 will bring together researchers from across Asia and Oceania to share advances, build new collaborations, and apply these technologies to regional challenges in human disease and precision medicine.”

Quote attributable to AUHUPO Treasurer and Co-Convenor Professor Mark Molloy
“The AOHUPO 2027 Congress provides an exciting opportunity to grow connections amongst proteomic researchers in the Asia Oceania region. Together we can work towards solving some of the challenges facing the world, with a focus on our region.”

Quote attributable to Australasian Proteomics Society Vice President Associate Professor Melanie White
“Australia has long been recognised as a global leader in proteomics. As host of AO-HUPO 2027, Australia will showcase its world-class research and innovation to the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together leading scientists, clinical scientists and industry partners to address today’s most pressing challenges and shape the future of proteomics and beyond.”

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Media enquiries:

Emma Hall, Melbourne Convention Bureau

T +61 429 553 183 E [email protected]