Biochemical research in Australia began in the 1920s in the Australian national science agency Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (now the CSIRO). The first university biochemistry department then started at the University of Adelaide under Thorburn Brailsford Robertson. There was initially a joint biochemistry and physiology section within the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science.
The society began in 1955 as the Australian Biochemical Society, with Rudi Lemberg as its founding president. It was based on Lembergs experience with the British Biochemical Society and Hugh Ennors meetings with the International Union of Biochemistry and relevant university department heads in Australia. Additional key initial members included Frederick Collins as treasurer and Victor Trikojus in a recruitment role.