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Adelaide Medal – Prof. James Robertson

IAFS are delighted to announce the 2023 Adelaide Medal recipient: Prof. James Robertson, University of Canberra and formerly with the Australian Federal Police. The Adelaide Medal recognises scientific achievement(s) that had a marked influence on the forensic sciences from an international perspective, in particular work that resulted in a change of direction, new thinking or significant improvement in existing methodologies.

Warm congratulations James! This award is much deserved in regards to your impact on forensic science over the years.

Prof. Robertson will present the 2023 Adelaide Medal Lecture at #iafs2023.

Prof. James Robertson graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1972 with a BSc(hons) in Agricultural Botany and in 1976 with a PhD in plant physiology. Following a short period as a postdoctoral researcher in London he entered the world of forensic science as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde where he taught in the Master of Forensic Science from 1976 to 1985. James worked on a Royal Commission in South Australia in 1983 and in 1985 migrated to Australia in 1985 to work as a senior forensic scientist in Adelaide before joining the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in 1989 as the first Director of forensic science. During the next 20 years he established the AFP forensic group as a world respected forensic organisation.

Despite occupying a senior managerial role James always maintained his case work competency as a fibre and hair examiner and his interest in all things academic! Hence, it was no surprize on his retirement from the AFP that he returned to an academic role as a Professorial Fellow at the University of Canberra (UC) and Director of the National Centre for Forensic Studies (NCFS). James ‘retired ‘(again) in 2019 but remains as a Professor Emeritus at UC.

James has authored or co-authored close to 200 academic papers and edited or co-edited several books on forensic science including books on fibres and hairs. He is Editor Emeritus of the Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences and a Life Member of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) having served both organisations as either President or Vice President. James has chaired all of the major forensic advisory groups in Australia during his career. His contributions to forensic science have been formally recognised with the Public Service Medal (PSM), a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and Doctor of the University of Canberra.

James is a Fellow of the Royal Society of new South Wales (FRSN). James continues his active interest in, and passion for, the forensic aspects of trace evidence, criminalistics and especially fibres and hairs. #IAFS #ANZFSS #Sydney #forensicscience