The New Zealand Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology was formed in 1972, to promote this discipline in New Zealand and to facilitate communication between those involved. It is open to all with interests in biochemistry and/or molecular biology. The Society organizes and promotes regional activities, as well as a national meeting that is held annually (often in conjunction with societies with overlapping interests in biology and chemistry).

A key focus of the NZSBMB is to support early-career researchers in biochemistry and molecular biology. Travel grants are awarded twice a year, to assist  PhD students attending overseas conferences. Student representatives from each of the Society's regions are also supported at the national meeting, via travel grants and invitations to speak at the NZSBMB Student Symposium.

In addition to the student prizes that are awarded each year, we also recognize one distinguished member for his or her published research over the last three years with the Life Technologies Award and oration, which is a centre piece of the national meeting.

We maintain dialogue throughout the year via NZ BioScience magazine, which is a joint publication with the NZ Microbiological Society. The society and its executive committee contribute to government policy through the Royal Society of New Zealand and members of NZSBMB are affiliated members of the Royal Society of New Zealand.