Biotechnology is nothing new. Humans have been using yeasts for baking and brewing for thousands of years, and utilising plants in remedies for injury and illness. Even the development of the lemon through the hybridisation of two different citrus species is an example of early biotechnology – life didn’t give us lemons; humans brought them into existence.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve globally, we wish to provide our members, tenants, partners and clients with an update on the steps our Society is taking to minimise disruption to our operations and enduring mission to promote science, the work of scientists and the scientific literacy of the Victorian community. We understand that this is an uncertain time for all, and we would like to reassure you of our preparedness and commitment to maintaining our various programs in these constrained circumstances. At this time we have decided to close our building in the Melbourne CBD. This means our premises will be unavailable for meetings and events until the end of 2020, subject to further assessment of the pandemic situation. We remain open and committed to our programs, if not physically present at our historic headquarters.