Professor Jes Sammut is a faculty member at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences . He serves as Deputy Dean for External Engagement and leads the UNSW Aquaculture Research Group , while also holding the position of Deputy Director (International) at the Centre for Marine Science & Innovation. Additionally, he is an Honorary Research Fellow at ANSTO , where he uses nuclear tools to study seafood provenance. His research spans biological, physical, and social sciences, focusing on aquaculture solutions across Australia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Professor Shanlin Fu is a distinguished academic at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), holding the position of Professor in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and affiliated with the Centre for Forensic Science. He serves as the Program Director for the Bachelor of Forensic Science program and is a Research Integrity Adviser for the Faculty of Science. With over $10 million in competitive research funding from ARC, NHMRC, and other national and international schemes since 2008, Professor Fu leads the Drugs and Toxicology Group, focusing on developing sensitive methods for clinical diagnosis, therapeutic drug monitoring, and drugs of abuse testing. Professor, UTS School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (2019-present) Associate Professor, UTS School of Chemistry and Forensic Science (2015-2019) Senior Lecturer, UTS School of Chemistry and Forensic Science (2008-2014) Professor Fu earned his PhD in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Sydney (1989-1992), an MSc in Phytochemistry from Peking Union Medical College (1982-1985), and a BSc in Biology from Nanjing Normal University (1978-1982). Prior to his academic career at UTS, he served as a Senior Hospital Scientist at the Northern Sydney Area Health Service (2000-2008) and as a Senior Research Scientist at The Heart Research Institute (1993-2000). Professor Fu's research spans analytical chemistry, forensic chemistry, medical biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, forensic toxicology, and clinical toxicology. His work focuses on three main areas: Forensic Chemistry concerning identification of drugs of abuse including new psychoactive substances; Forensic Toxicology focusing on detection of drugs in biological matrices for clinical and medico-legal purposes; and Clinical Toxicology aiming to understand mechanisms of substance abuse harms. His research has strong real-world applications, with his patented 'Cathinone Test' already commercialized for law enforcement and potential healthcare settings. Analysis of Professor Fu's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on developing innovative analytical methods for drug detection, particularly for new psychoactive substances. His work increasingly incorporates multi-omics approaches (metabolomics, lipidomics, proteomics) and machine learning techniques to enhance detection capabilities. There's a clear trend toward translating laboratory research into practical field applications, with numerous color spot tests and portable detection methods being developed for law enforcement use. His research also shows expanding applications in equine doping control and postmortem analysis. Vice-Chancellor's Medal for Research Excellence through Collaboration or Partnership (2023) UTS Teaching and Learning Award for Team Teaching (2022) MAPS Research Translation Award (2022) As a member of the HDR Panel since 2022, Professor Fu actively supervises Masters Research and PhD students in forensic science. His extensive grant portfolio includes leadership of the ARC Research Hub for Integrated Device for End-user Analysis at Low-levels and the Australian Centre for cannabinoid clinical and research excellence (ACRE). He has established key collaborations with Australian Federal Police, NSW Forensic and Analytical Science Service, Racing NSW, and international institutions including University of Copenhagen and University of Dundee. His research impact extends beyond academia through commercialization of detection technologies that improve efficiency and accuracy of illicit drug detection. Professor Fu heads the Drugs and Toxicology Group at the Centre for Forensic Science, which maintains strong industry partnerships with forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies. His group is currently developing a multiplexer device that can simultaneously detect multiple new psychoactive substances including cathinones, NBOMEs, piperazines, and fentanyl analogues. The group's work bridges fundamental research with practical applications, with several technologies moving from the laboratory to real-world implementation in forensic and healthcare settings.
Professor Denis O'Carroll is Deputy Head of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Managing Director of the Water Research Laboratory (WRL). His research focuses on environmental engineering challenges, particularly in water resource management and contaminant remediation. His primary research interests include: Development of nanoscale materials for environmental restoration PFAS contamination assessment and treatment technologies Groundwater remediation and contaminant transport modeling Green infrastructure performance evaluation Fate and transport of emerging contaminants in aquatic systems Electrochemical degradation of persistent pollutants Bioremediation and microbial transformation processes Professor O'Carroll's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on PFAS research, with multiple studies examining global contamination patterns, degradation mechanisms, and innovative treatment technologies. His work also shows consistent attention to nanomaterial applications for environmental remediation, particularly sulfidated zerovalent iron systems for chlorinated solvent treatment. The research spans laboratory studies to field-scale validations. As Managing Director of the Water Research Laboratory, Professor O'Carroll leads significant research initiatives addressing water quality challenges. His laboratory conducts both fundamental research and applied studies with direct relevance to environmental policy and remediation practice.
Associate Professor Jeremy Austin is a leading evolutionary biologist at the University of Adelaide , affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and serving as Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD) . His work bridges ancient DNA analysis, molecular ecology, and forensic biology to address critical questions in conservation genetics and human identification. PhD in Evolutionary Biology from University of Tasmania (1995) Jeremy's research focuses on ancient DNA techniques to study evolutionary histories of extinct and extant vertebrates, assess environmental change impacts, and develop genomic tools for forensic identification of degraded human remains. His work supports agencies like the Australian Defence Force and humanitarian organizations. Recent publications highlight applications of LAMP assays for invasive species detection, genome-wide hybridization capture in forensic profiling, and phylogeographic analysis of endangered species. His team's innovations in trace DNA recovery and environmental DNA (eDNA) have advanced biosecurity monitoring. Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (2011) As a Senior Lecturer , Jeremy supervises research students and collaborates across conservation, forensics, and evolutionary biology . He leads ACAD's efforts to integrate historical museum samples into modern genomic studies, with applications for wildlife management and human remains identification.
Jen Smith is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia (UWA), serving as national coordinator and public health co-lead for the Emerging Drugs Network of Australia (EDNA). Her work focuses on illicit and emerging drug toxicosurveillance, combining clinical toxicology with public health strategy. She holds a PhD in adolescent sexual behavior and pregnancy intentions (2010) and prior roles at Curtin University's School of Public Health. Research & Collaboration : EDNA, a 5-year national collaboration, monitors illicit drug harm in emergency departments (EDs) across five states. Jen's expertise spans qualitative research, policy evaluation (e.g., WA's 'Target 120' initiative), and drug-related health system preparedness. She has published extensively on drug intoxication patterns, clinical predictors of exposure, and emergency medicine protocols. Awards & Recognition : Received the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Impact and Innovation for contributions to toxicosurveillance. Her work aligns with UN SDGs addressing health and well-being. Key Projects : Includes datasets on ED drug use trends, evaluation of public health initiatives, and collaborations with forensic labs, emergency physicians, and policy bodies.
Professor Iekhsan Othman is a renowned academic in biochemistry and neurotoxicology, currently serving as Professor and Deputy Head of School (Graduate Research) at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia. He previously held leadership roles at the University of Malaya, including Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Deputy Dean. Education: Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biochemistry, University of Bristol (1976–1979) PhD in Molecular Neurobiology, Imperial College London (1979–1983) Research focuses on neurotoxicology, natural products, cancer, and proteomics. He has published over 170 peer-reviewed articles and pioneered facilities like the Malaysian Proteomic Analysis Facilities (MAPAF) and the Agilent Integrated Biology Facility at Monash University. Awards include the Fulbright Scholarship, Chevening Malaysian Royal Society Award, and JSPS grants. Key contributions include advancing antivenom research, proteomic technologies, and neuroprotective agents. He is also involved in grants panels, editorial boards, and national initiatives like the Quality Management System (QMS) certification for medical faculties. Labs/Teams: Director of the Proteomics and Metabolomics platform and collaborator in the Venom and Toxin research group. Active in international collaborations, particularly in toxinology and cancer research.
Dr. Sydur Rahman is a Lecturer and Researcher in Engineering at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University. He holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from SCU, a Master of Water Resources Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering (First Class Honours). His expertise spans water resources engineering, hydrology, and sustainable water management. Dr. Rahman's research focuses on water modeling, irrigation systems, wastewater management, and groundwater sustainability. He has led projects addressing integrated water resources management, crop water productivity under climate change, and contaminated land remediation. Notably, he is currently involved in an industry-funded project to develop techniques for removing chlorocresol from tannery waste. He has extensive teaching experience, instructing courses such as Hydraulic Engineering Fundamentals, Hydrogeology, and Engineering for Resilient Catchments. His work integrates holistic approaches, including geochemical and ecological tools, to assess environmental risks and refine water management practices. Dr. Rahman has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications on topics ranging from arsenic sorption in soils to crop water modeling. His contributions aim to enhance water use efficiency and sustainable resource management across field, farm, and regional scales.
Professor Michael Farrell is the Director of the National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) at the University of New South Wales, specializing in Medicine & Health. His research focuses on treatment evaluation, national and international drug policy, and substance dependence. With extensive experience including previous roles at King's College London, he chairs the International Consortium on Health Outcome Monitoring Substance Use working Group and edits for the Cochrane Drug and Alcohol Group. Research interests center on substance abuse epidemiology, opioid treatment methodologies, public health interventions, and policy analysis. His work explores innovative approaches to reduce drug-related harm and improve treatment outcomes. Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on opioid treatment efficacy, mortality trends, and intervention strategies in correctional settings. Research consistently emphasizes Australian epidemiological patterns and evidence-based policy recommendations. Primary collaborations involve international health organizations and governmental bodies to develop standardized outcome measures for substance use disorders globally.
Rachel Allavena is a Professor and Deputy Head of School at the School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland . She specializes in veterinary pathology and comparative medicine , developing cancer immunotherapies using pet dogs with natural cancer as models for human oncology. Her work bridges veterinary and human medicine, focusing on translational research . She also leads forensic pathology investigations for Racing Queensland , Queensland Police , and RSPCA Queensland , advocating for animal cruelty prevention . PhD in Comparative Medicine (Cornell University) Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology (University of Guelph) Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Honours (University of Queensland) Her research spans comparative oncology (including canine brain cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, osteosarcoma ), koala conservation (co-developer of KoalaBASE database), and envenomation studies . She has trained ACVP board-certified pathologists and developed drug safety testing protocols in the UK pharmaceutical sector. Her immunotherapy trials have achieved 20% cure rates in terminal canine cancer patients. 2015 - Faculty of Science Teaching Excellence Award 2021 - UQ Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning As a media expert , she has featured in international outlets and delivered a TEDx talk on canine cancer therapy. She actively supervises PhD/MPhil students in projects like Canine Osteosarcoma Immunotherapy and Feline GI Lymphomas . Her team explores biometallic implants and forensic pathology applications.
Professor Philip Doble is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), leading the Elemental Bio-imaging Facility (EBF) within the School of Chemistry and Forensic Science. His work focuses on developing advanced analytical techniques, including laser ablation-ICP-MS and chip-based liquid chromatography systems, to address complex problems in metallomics, forensic science, and biomedical research. The EBF collaborates internationally and nationally, fostering innovations in metal distribution analysis, toxicology, and disease mechanisms. His research spans multiple disciplines, including the role of trace metals in infectious diseases, cancer biomarker identification, and environmental exposure studies. Notable achievements include the 2013 Vice Chancellor's Award for Research Excellence. Current funded projects include coral resilience studies and metastatic breast cancer diagnostics. Doble supervises postgraduate students and actively contributes to forensic science advancements through interdisciplinary collaborations. Key research areas include: Analytical chemistry innovations for biological systems Metal interactions in host-pathogen interfaces Breast cancer biomarker quantification Environmental metal pollution analysis Neurological disease metallomics Grants and collaborations include projects on MRI contrast agent environmental impact, dystrophin-glycoprotein complex imaging, and forensic drug detection. His lab's cutting-edge technologies enable multiplexed elemental and biomolecular imaging, bridging analytical chemistry with clinical and environmental applications.
Dr. Matthew Baldock is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide , affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology and the Centre for Automotive Safety Research . With 20 years in road safety research, his work spans in-depth crash investigation, impaired driving, motorcycle safety, and driver distraction. Education : PhD in "Self regulation of the driving behaviour of older drivers" (2004), University of Adelaide. Research Interests : - Road Safety : Medical conditions in crashes, age-related driver/pedestrian risks. - Crash Analysis : In-depth investigations, forensic trauma studies. - Policy Development : Graduated licensing systems, traffic penalties, and infrastructure design. Article Trends : His recent publications focus on medical conditions in crashes, motorcycle safety innovations, pedestrian protection, and forensic biomechanics. Key methodologies include epidemiological analysis and collision dynamics evaluation. Supervision : Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD candidates in road safety disciplines.
Dr. Marie Morelato is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), affiliated with the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the Centre for Forensic Science. She holds a PhD in drug intelligence from UTS (2015) and a prestigious Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2015–2019). Her research focuses on forensic intelligence, illicit drug data analysis, and organized crime systems, emphasizing data triangulation from sources like cryptomarkets, seizures, and wastewater. She teaches courses such as Forensic Intelligence and serves as Course Director for the Bachelor of Forensic Science program. Marie has received awards including the UTS Teaching and Learning Award (2022) and recognition for contributions to student learning (2024). She leads grants on drug surveillance, including the Residue and Post Overdose Substance Testing (RePOST) project and studies on opioid-related harms. Her editorial roles include Associate Editor for Forensic Science International and contributions to the International Association of Forensic Sciences. Her work bridges forensic science with intelligence-led policing, advancing methodologies like machine learning for crime scene analysis and portable NIR drug detection. She collaborates with agencies like the Australian Federal Police and emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex criminal systems.
Professor Jennifer Verduin serves as Pro Vice Chancellor at Murdoch University's College of Environmental and Life Sciences. Her academic career spans roles in the School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, where she combines physical oceanography with ecological research. She holds a BSc (Honours) in Oceanography from Swansea University and a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Western Australia. Her research focuses on seagrass ecosystems, coastal hydrodynamics, and the interplay between physical and biological processes in marine environments. She pioneered a tall ship-based oceanography teaching program, emphasizing hands-on learning and interdisciplinary education. In 2021, she received the Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Leadership. Research interests include microplastic impacts, sediment transport dynamics, and seagrass restoration strategies across global oceans. She also explores forensic applications of marine biology, such as using barnacle colonization patterns to estimate post-mortem intervals. Her work integrates environmental engineering solutions with ecological monitoring, addressing contemporary challenges like climate change and pollution. Education: BSc Honours in Oceanography, University College of Swansea PhD in Environmental Engineering, University of Western Australia Key Contributions: Developed methodologies for seagrass restoration longevity assessments Advanced understanding of microplastic pollution in coastal zones Pioneered marine forensic techniques using biological colonization Awards: 2021 Vice Chancellor's Award (Excellence in Leadership) Teaching and supervision activities include leading fieldwork expeditions and integrating tall ship experiences into curricula. Her research spans from molecular-level processes in seagrass pollination to large-scale oceanographic phenomena, reflecting her belief in oceanography's interdisciplinary potential.
Shane Tobe is an Associate Professor and Honours Academic Chair in Forensic Biology and Toxicology and Molecular Biology and Genetics. He also serves as a Research Integrity Advisor and Health and Safety Representative. His research interests span forensic biology, microbiology, archaeology, forensic microbiology, conservation and biodiversity, and population genetics. He is affiliated with an Australian university, as indicated by TEQSA ID PRV12163 and CRICOS Code 00125J.
Joanna Dipnall is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University's Monash Biostatistics Unit and a Senior Research Fellow specializing in applied statistics, machine learning, and health data analytics. She holds an Honours in Econometrics from Monash University and a PhD from Deakin University's School of Medicine, where she developed the Risk Index for Depression (RID) using machine learning and traditional statistical techniques. Her research focuses on integrating AI with health data, particularly trauma outcomes, mental health, and registry-based analyses. Affiliations: Monash Biostatistics Unit (School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine), Honourary Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Barwon Health since 2017. Teaching: Co-Coordinator of the Monash Masters of Health Data Analytics course, teaching 'Introduction to Health Data Analytics'. Collaborations: Extensive work with Monash Faculty of IT, NHMRC-funded projects, and global collaborations in trauma outcomes and opioid surveillance. Her research interests span machine/deep learning applications in health, trauma data analytics, and mental health epidemiology. Key projects include the PRAISE study (predicting fracture outcomes via AI) and opioid poisoning surveillance using novel technologies. She has supervised numerous postgraduate students and contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed publications. Grants & Projects: Principal investigator in multiple NHMRC and industry-funded projects, including the $2.5M PRAISE study (2021–2025) and opioid surveillance research (2025–2027). She also co-leads the ARDC SeRP Research Users Community of Practice. Labs/Teams: Active in Monash's Clinical Registries and Biostatistics Unit, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams across health, IT, and economics.
