Scott Chadwick

Associate Professor Scott Chadwick is a forensic science academic at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), holding the title Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) in the Faculty of Science since 2025. He earned his PhD in 2013 from UTS, focusing on Near Infrared Laser Dyes for Latent Fingermark Detection, and holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Chemistry and Forensic Science (2010). His academic roles at UTS include:

• Associate Professor (2024–present)
• Senior Lecturer (2019–2023)
• Lecturer (2014–2019)
• Program Director, Bachelor of Forensic Science (2016–2021)

Research Interests: Scott leads interdisciplinary work in:

• Fingermark detection through fundamental understanding of latent mark composition, powder suspensions, and NIR luminescent compounds
• Firearms analysis focusing on barrel length effects on pellet patterns and decomposition impacts on ballistic evidence
• Illicit drug intelligence via syringe residue analysis and portable NIR identification
• Document fraud examining dark web markets and security feature profiling
• Forensic education innovation in first-year chemistry laboratories

Scientific Contributions: His work has produced groundbreaking insights across:

• Chemical detection of fentanyl in heroin syringes and protonitazene in overdose clusters
• Forensic materials like optimized iron oxide suspensions with 10% Tween 20 surfactant
• Ballistic evidence showing rapid bullet corrosion in warm decomposition conditions
• Identification of route-specific organic impurities in MDA synthesis
• International policing strategies linking 88% of seized Australian IDs to production series

Awards:

• Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) citation (2024) for team teaching excellence
• Leadership of 18 new subject developments in forensic science curriculum

Collaborative Networks: As a core member of UTS Centre for Forensic Science, Scott works with agencies like the Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre and contributes to international studies on:

• Forensic drug intelligence via border document screening
• Secondary transfer mechanisms of organic gunshot residues
• Handwriting analysis for country-of-origin determination