Jodie Ward

Jodie Ward is an Adjunct Associate Professor (Forensic Genetics) in the Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. She is a leading expert in forensic human identification with over a decade of experience advancing capabilities to resolve unidentified and missing persons cases.

Dr. Ward's research interests focus on forensic genetics, human identification, and disaster victim identification. Her pioneering work includes operationalizing the National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons (2020-2024) and the NSW Specialist DNA Laboratory (2011-2019). She has developed interdisciplinary forensic frameworks that integrate cutting-edge DNA technologies with traditional identification methods to resolve cold cases.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on forensic genomics, particularly the application of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiling, forensic investigative genetic genealogy, and kinship inference techniques for human remains identification. Her research shows consistent innovation in applying advanced genetic tools to challenging forensic samples, including degraded skeletal remains.

• Public Service Medal (PSM) 2024
• Royal Australian Navy Group Commendation 2022
• Churchill Fellowship (CF) 2015
• NSW Women of Excellence 2023
• 100 Women of Influence 2018

Dr. Ward currently provides forensic HID expertise to impactful global projects, including serving as the forensic geneticist for the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT), Ireland, where she guides DNA-led identification of commingled juvenile remains. She founded Forensic Human Identification Co. in 2024, a social enterprise focused on providing equal access to forensic identification services globally. She supervises postgraduate research projects focused on advancing forensic genomics tools for identifying skeletonized remains and repatriating Indigenous remains.

Her laboratory work at UTS's Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER), where she served as Director from 2021-2023, has translated research findings into practical forensic techniques like forensic investigative genetic genealogy and craniofacial reconstruction, validated using donated human bodies before application to casework.