[1] Its main activities include hosting scientific conferences, supporting ancillary symposia, workshops and publishing an educational magazine.

There was initially a joint biochemistry and physiology section within the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science.

[3] It was based on Lemberg's experience with the British Biochemical Society and Hugh Ennor's meetings with the International Union of Biochemistry and relevant university department heads in Australia.

[1] Additional key initial members included Frederick Collins as treasurer and Victor Trikojus in a recruitment role.

[1][6] It also supports smaller special interest group meetings, symposia, workshops, conferences, and school science competitions.