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A ready-to-use cloud bioinformatics environment for life-science researchers, trainers, and developers.

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Getting started

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Using BioShell

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Support

Project support

Get help with your BioShell project from the Australian BioCommons team.

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Image support

Bug reports and feature requests for the BioShell VM image.

Open an issue

Community discussion

Questions, ideas, and general conversation about BioShell.

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Source code

BioShell is open source. Browse the VM image build scripts and configuration.

View repository

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Acknowledging BioShell

As part of the acceptable use policy and service terms for accessing BioShell, you need to acknowledge use of BioShell in relevant research, training, and innovation outputs using the format:

"This work is supported by BioShell, a service provided by Australian BioCommons and its partners. The service receives NCRIS funding through Bioplatforms Australia as well as The University of Sydney"

How to cite

If you use BioShell in your research or training, please cite it as:

O'Brien MJ, Jaya F, Xue W, Al Bkhetan Z, Botting A, Ward N, Gustafsson J, Samaha G. (2026). BioShell how-to guide. Australian BioCommons. [AUTHOR TO SUPPLY — Zenodo DOI once minted]

Operational partners

BioShell is delivered through a collaboration between Australian BioCommons, the Sydney Informatics Hub at the University of Sydney, ARDC Nectar Research Cloud, and the National Computational Infrastructure.