BioNet 2024, a scientific research conference to bridge the gap between bioinformatics and omics researchers across the diverse fields of health research present in Alberta and Western Canada.

As data becomes more abundant and research focuses from a goal of finding new methods of generating data to a world where interpreting existing data is equally important, the fields of bioinformatics and computational biology continue to become more relevant and necessary. Bioinformatics can be an isolating field and bioinformaticians often do not get the opportunity to network with peers as often as traditional wet lab scientists, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated work from home measures have changed the landscape of how research is conducted across institutions of all levels. BioNet 2024 is an on-site conference that caters to bioinformaticians, computational biologists, omics scientists and relevant end-users to bring this experience and knowledge into a single location. Collaboration and innovation are known to develop from both from formal research settings and informal interactions, our conference aims to provide a space for both over a 3-day event. During this event there are also specific sessions to garner feedback from researchers and trainees individually, providing a safe space for each group to discuss the challenges ongoing in the field and develop potential mitigation strategies or learn from the experiences of colleagues. A poster session also provides ample opportunity for early career trainees to showcase research progress and receive essential feedback to propel their studies forward and find potential pitfalls in research plans before they become significant barriers. Together, the BioNet 2024 conference fills an unmet need as a Western Canada bioinformatics and omics conference and will provide additional value to policy makers as feedback from this event will be integrated into the existing 2023 BioNet Bioinformatics White Paper which will be updated for 2024 at the conclusion of this event.