Awards

Awarded for Branch member for professional development.

Please contact the SA Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information.

Awarded for significant contribution to the SA Branch.

Please contact the SA Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information.

Award to SA branch student member for the best Symposium award application. Award is to the value of the Symposium registration and associated travel.

Please contact the SA Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information.

Award to SA branch member for the best Symposium award applicaiton. Award is to the value of the Symposium registration and associated travel.

Please contact the SA Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information.

About the award

Eric Murray, an ANZFSS life member, has been paving the way for forensic science for the better part of 40 years. Eric is semi-retired from the forensic unit corrections health as nursing unit manager but is still actively involved on the committee for the NSW branch of the ANZFSS. Eric’s career started in nursing and involved many aspects of the nursing profession. However, he has also spanned chemistry, occupational health and industrial safety, rescue response, profiling and incident reconstruction in various roles. The NSW branch of the ANZFSS is not alone in acknowledging Eric’s lifetime achievements. Eric’s service to industry and the community has been recognised by the NSW government for community service including service to the NSW ambulance and state emergency services. In addition, Eric has received awards from her majesty for his contribution to scouting and the St john ambulance service throughout his life. Eric is tireless in his work to help others and that is shown by the extensive acknowledgements he has received.

This award is offered on alternate years to the ANZFSS travel scholarships, and is open to any person employed in the forensic field within 10-15 years of the commencement of their career (post university). The purpose of this award is to provide opportunity for professionals to enhance their career development and may be utilised for the following activities (not exhaustive); -undertake a course, not prescriptively within the forensic field; eg management -assist with travel to visit leading laboratories and agencies -purchase of consumables or equipment for research projects -provide for a sabbatical to complete part-time study -child care costs to assist with any of the above activities the recipient must have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the forensic field and clearly outline the aims and purpose of their use of the award funds in the application. The biennial award is valued at $2,000. As for the symposium awards, a sub-committee from the NSW branch committee will be formed to judge the applications. Conflicts of interest must be declared in writing to the branch president. The recipient of the award must agree to present at a NSW branch meeting within 6 months of receipt of the award, and write an article of their choice for the branch newsletter within 12 months receipt of the award.

Please contact the NSW Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information. More information can be found here.

Eric Murray Professional Achievers Award

About the award

Eric Murray, an ANZFSS life member, has been paving the way for forensic science for the better part of 40 years. Eric is semi-retired from the forensic unit corrections health as nursing unit manager but is still actively involved on the committee for the NSW branch of the ANZFSS . Eric’s career started in nursing and involved many aspects of the nursing profession. However, he has also spanned chemistry, occupational health and industrial safety, rescue response, profiling and incident reconstruction in various roles. The NSW branch of the ANZFSS is not alone in acknowledging Eric’s lifetime achievements. Eric’s service to industry and the community has been recognised by the NSW government for community service including service to the NSW ambulance and state emergency services. In addition, Eric has received awards from her majesty for his contribution to scouting and the St john ambulance service throughout his life. Eric is tireless in his work to help others and that is shown by the extensive acknowledgements he has received.

This award is offered in conjunction with the other ANZFSS travel scholarships offered by the NSW branch, prior to each ANZFSS symposium. This award is only open to current students (at the time of closure of applications for that year). It is Eric’s wish that a student member of the NSW branch is provided an opportunity they may otherwise not get. He extends help to students aspiring to attend a biennial ANZFSS symposium and enhance their career development through this award. Eric is the benefactor of this award that is offered to student members who may face adversity during their time of education. This biennial award is valued at $2,000.

Please contact the NSW Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information. More information can be found here.

Eric Murray Student Symposia Award

Associate Professor Michael Dawson was a dedicated academic and an advocate for the student. Michael completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in pharmacy which led to a lecturing position in analytical and environmental chemistry at the university of technology, Sydney. It was during his early lecturing career that Michael recognised the potential for the introduction of Australia’s first forensic science undergraduate degree, a vision and awareness that has had a significant influence on forensic science education in Australia. During his career he was an active researcher in the field of analytical chemistry and its application to the analysis of licit and illicit drugs. His impact in this field can still be gauged by his extensive publication record and contribution to expert evidence testimony in court cases. Michael’s dedication to drawing the best from his students was renowned and in return Michael was loved and appreciated by them. It was a priority for Michael to help ensure the success of students and he never missed an opportunity to help them gain experience in the area of forensic science. For the opportunities Michael helped orchestrate, he will never be forgotten and it is the hope of the NSW branch of the ANZFSS that this award will add to his memorial. This award, to attend the ANZFSS symposia is valued at $1,500 and is open to practitioners and students.

Please contact the NSW Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information. More information can be found here.

Michael Dawson Symposia Award

Rebecca Kendrew was a person who aspired to achieve through consistently demonstrating her passion for forensic science. Rebecca completed her certificate iv of mortuary practice at the Sydney institute of technology, ultimo before graduating from a bachelor of science in forensic biology at the university of technology, Sydney. Her enthusiasm for forensic science was so strong that Rebecca went on to pursue a masters in forensic science at the university of Canberra whilst working full time at the (then) division of analytical laboratories. Rebecca’s long term goal was to become a crime scene investigator and she was determined to attain that goal. Not only was Rebecca unwavering about becoming and being a forensic scientist, she encouraged others with similar aspirations. For the dedication and commitment Rebecca gave to self-development, learning and to forensic science, she will remain in our hearts. It is the wish of the NSW branch of the ANZFSS that the dedication Rebecca displayed towards forensic science be an inspiration to many forensic scientists currently practising and to those to come. This award, granted to attend the ANZFSS symposia is valued at $1,500 and is open to practitioners and students.

Please contact the NSW Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information. More information can be found here.

Rebecca Kendrew Symposia Award

Named in honour of Western Australian forensic odontologist Dr Frank Digwood, this award is open to a General, Life, or Student member demonstrating excellence in the forensic sciences to present at the ANZFSS International Symposium. Nominees will be assessed based on their submitted application for an ANZFSS Symposium Award, with the Scholarship consisting of a top-up award to a successful application.

The WA Branch reserves the right not to award the Frank Digwood Scholarship if no suitable candidates meeting the criteria for excellence are nominated.

To support the involvement of a General, Life, or Professional Member of the WA Branch at an event, placement or other activity benefitting the members professional development and the forensic community.

Please contact the WA Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information.

David Grace was employed at the Victoria Forensic Science Centre for many years as a Forensic Officer in the Biology Division. David was also a long serving, dedicated and enthusiastic member of the ANZFSS committee in Victoria. In his position as head “Technical Officer”, he was responsible for the training and development of other Biology technical staff. David strongly believed that it was important for his staff to be given similar opportunities to caseworkers in order to develop their skills. One example of his initiative to provide such opportunities was to send his staff to crime scenes to assist caseworkers.  He also felt that he and other technical staff would benefit from attending seminars and was very keen for this to occur.

David tragically died on September 30th, 1996 whilst on an Army Reserve training exercise.

In memory of David’s contribution to the ANZFSS over many years and his dedication as a Forensic Officer, the Committee has established a Memorial Scholarship in his name to enable the recipient to attend an ANZFSS Symposium. The scholarship is awarded to a member of the ANZFSS (Victorian Branch) who would not normally have the opportunity to go to a symposium and meets the requirements below. You may also be required to attend an interview.

Please contact the vicbranch@anzfss.org or executive@anzfss.org for more information.

David Grace Award Recipients:

IAFS, ANZFSS Sydney 2023: Kyle Hamer
ANZFSS Brisbane Conference 2022: Nicole Bond & Catherine Shehan
ANZFSS Perth Conference 2018 : Joseph Balkwill

These awards are open to current General, Student, Professional and Life members, and typically provide for registration at the forthcoming ANZFSS Symposium.

The same application will be used to assess applicants for Executive and Branch ANZFSS Symposium Awards and as such these applications will be forwarded to your respective branch.

Please note, the matter of Symposium award allocation with consideration to diversity and inclusion has been duly raised. In response Section 8. Diversity and Inclusion has been included in the application form. You are not required to respond to these questions. How this data will be used, if it is in fact used, to assist award selection will discussed by the selection committee during the selection process and make known to the membership to ensure transparency and accountability. If you have any concerns, please contact the Executive or your Branch.

Criteria

Applicants must be:

• a General or Professional member of ANZFSS with at least 24 months of continuous membership at the date of the 2020 symposium (22 September 2020), OR
• a Student member of ANZFSS with at least 12 months of continuous membership at the date of the 2020 symposium (22 September 2020), OR
• a Life member of ANZFSS.

Criteria include involvement in the local Branch and the Society, and the merit of the paper or poster to be presented.

Note that awards may be made to a limited number of non-presenters; applicants must make a statement outlining the personal and professional benefits of their attendance at the Symposium within the application form.

Conditions

For successful applicants who have submitted abstract(s) to the Symposium:
– Acceptance of the abstract/s by the Symposium Scientific Committee;
– Presentation at the Symposium of the poster/oral presentation as outlined in the application (with acknowledgement of ANZFSS support), and;
– Presentation at a local Branch meeting either prior to, or, subsequent to the Symposium.

For successful applicants who are not presenting at the Symposium:
– Preparation of a synopsis of their Symposium attendance (e.g. presentations/posters that stood out, lessons learnt) for inclusion in a future ANZFSS newsletter

These awards are offered every two years to support the attendance of practitioners and students at the Symposium.

2023 Awards
2022 Awards
2018 Awards
2016 Awards

Open to Symposium participants for poster and oral presentations. Please contact each branch or the executive for more information.

2023 Award Winners
2022 Award Winners
2018 Award Winners
2016 Award Winners
2014 Award Winners
2012 Award Winners
2010 Award Winners
2008 Award Winners
2006 Award Winners
2004 Award Winners

This medal was struck in honour of the late Ian Riebeling, a forensic document examiner with Forensic Science SA in Adelaide.  Ian passed away suddenly in February of 2001 and was an active member of the Society.  He had held the position of President of the South Australian Branch of the ANZFSS and many other positions in the preceding years.

The medal is awarded every two years, to the best new practitioner (general ANZFSS member) who presents either a paper or poster at the ANZFSS International Symposium. The Ian Riebeling Memorial Medallist is selected from the pool of oral and poster presenters who are within their first five years, or part-time equivalent, of their employment as a forensic practitioner. Presenters need to have declared this at the time of their registration.

In addition to the medal, a monetary prize of $1,500 is awarded by Ian’s family so the winner can advance their professional skills by attending the following ANZFSS Symposium, or an equivalent conference.

Assessment

The assessment criteria are not limited to but will include the following:

• Quality of the presentation
• Content of the presentation

The Symposium Organising Committee will nominate a selection panel to assess presentations by eligible members, which will be chaired by the Scientific Program Chair, and may include Discipline Chairs.

Conditions

The recipient must provide bank account details to the ANZFSS Treasurer for the transference of funds. At this time, the recipient must also provide a plan for the expenditure of the funds, whether that is attendance at the next ANZFSS Symposium, or nominating an alternate conference or professional development activity occurring within the following two years, for the funds to go toward.

Following attendance at the nominated event, the recipient must provide to the ANZFSS Council (via the ANZFSS secretary) a short (1 page) summary of the outcomes of the development activity, highlighting how it benefited the awardee. This may be published in the ANZFSS newsletter and sent to Ian’s family. Copies of receipts for expenditure must be provided to the ANZFSS Treasurer.

The recipient will consent to the use of their imagery by the Society in its publications and/or marketing activities.

Award recipients are responsible for managing all of their own booking and travel requirements, including medical and travel insurance.

Previous winners

2018: Mickayla Dustin (ESR, New Zealand): Further persistence studies of PDMS condom lubricants

2016: Felicity Koens (Australian Federal Police): A background survey of polymers in the act – diversity in isotopic abundance values

2014: Danielle Butzbach (Forensic Science SA): Post-mortem production of paracetamol via degradation of its metabolite

2012: Ashleigh Fox (University of Auckland): Exploring the recovery of mRNA and DNA from chemically treated finger-marks in blood

2010: Lauren Parsons (ESR, New Zealand): Low copy number DNA analysis and document examination: impact of technologies on respective analyses; The New Zealand national DNA database: Simplified DNA profiling using the Whatman FTA elute card and Hamilton Nimbus robotics

2008: Nicole Walker (NZ Police): Distinguishing between expirated blood and impact spatter using chemical and physical methods

2006: Kaye Ballantyne (Victoria Police Forensic Services Department & La Trobe University): Increased profiling success from WGA.d degraded DNA; WGA to assist STR genotyping of trace DNA

2004: Cameron Scadding (Curtin University of Technology): Forensic identification and provenance establishment of oxy-acetylene cutting micro debris from crime scenes

2002: Carolyne Bird (Forensic Science SA): Low temperature infra-red fluorescence for the discrimination of inks

Please contact the SA branch or anzfss_executive@outlook.com for more information.

Dr Bryan Found was a true champion of forensic science, incredibly passionate for improvement and development. As an internationally respected caseworker, researcher, and the inaugural Chief Forensic Scientist of VIC Police, across a 29-year career, he instigated significant progress in many areas of document examination, pattern evidence and education. His impact in bringing cognitive issues to the fore will be felt for years to come, and his influence on document examination globally has been phenomenal. Bryan was a long-standing member of the VIC Branch, former President, and the Chair of the Organising Committee for the 2008 Melbourne Symposium – arguably the first of the new breed of successful symposia. He was also responsible for the infamous cask wine, now an ANZFSS tradition. He was accepted as a Life Member of the Society just weeks before his sudden death at home on 23 October 2016.

In memory of Bryan, the Found family has established a Memorial Scholarship in his name that is awarded to a graduate or post-graduate student to attend the Symposium. The award is open to full-time students in a graduate or postgraduate course in a topic related to forensic science. Please contact the vicbranch@anzfss.org for more information.

Criteria:

The selection criteria are not limited to, but will include, the following:

1. The applicant is an enrolled full-time student in a graduate or postgraduate course in a topic related to forensic science. Research or study programs aimed at improving and/or developing forensic science in the areas of validity, cognitive factors and education will be prioritised, but any student in any area of forensic science may apply.
2. The successful applicant will be required to provide an article for the ANZFSS newsletter summarising their experiences at the Symposium.
3. The applicant may be required to make a presentation to the Symposium either on the benefits of the award or their research.

The Award will consist of $2500 to be used to fund the successful applicant’s attendance at the ANZFSS Symposium in the year of awarding.

If no suitable application is received the Award may not be presented, or may be otherwise distributed at the discretion of the family.

Allan was a well-known and respected scientist and individual. He was instrumental to the development of the NSW Branch as President, Vice-President, Secretary, Public Officer and Life-Member. In 2004, he received the National President’s Medal for his services to the Society. For many years Allan was a forensic toxicologist at the Division of Analytical Laboratories in Sydney. His professional credentials and focus on quality and integrity were greatly appreciated by the forensic science community, as demonstrated by his various executive memberships, including on the Panel of Advisers of the NIFS and on NATA’s Forensic Registration Advisory Committee. His dedication to training and education were also shown by his organisation of the annual NSW Branch seminar ‘Inside the Forensic World’ and his association with the UTS. Allan was a true gentleman and possessed a very fine sense of humour.

In memory of Allan, this award is awarded to a member who can best demonstrate how they will personally and professionally benefit from an opportunity to travel to any destination to further their own study, attend a notable forensic meeting or visit a laboratory. This award is open to General, Life and Student Members. Other reasons for travel, in accordance with the intent of the award, will be considered. Recipients will be required to present at that Symposium. Please contact the NSW branch or anzfss_executive@outlook.com for more information.

Criteria

The selection criteria are not limited to but will include the following;

• the nature and value of the forensic meeting, facility visited or educational institution attended,
• the likely benefit to the applicant, their organisation and the ANZFSS community,
• local Branch commitment,
• the quality of the application and the reasons for the travel, and
• a release from your supervisor or organisation, if appropriate, to attend the proposed destination.

Conditions

The Allan Hodda Memorial Award will be offered to Professional, General, Life and Student members of ANZFSS Inc who have been continuous members for at least two financial years. Applicants must complete the application form provided and address all selection criteria.

The recipient will consent to the use of their imagery by the Society in its publications and/or marketing activities.

The applicant must complete the proposed travel within one year of the announcement of the successful award recipient.

After completion of travel, the recipient must provide a written report to the ANZFSS Council that contains:

• an executive summary;
• an actual itinerary;
• a diary of events attended and/or the outcome for each day;
• a conclusion outlining the benefits to the recipient, their organisation and the forensic science community in general;
• a detailed financial summary showing how the Award was expended, including copies of receipts and

The recipient must also prepare an oral presentation about the aims and outcomes of the travel and apply to present at the next ANZFSS Symposium (to be accepted at the discretion of the organising committee). The recipient shall acknowledge the Award and the support provided by the Society in any publication, article or presentation that results from information gained. Award recipients are responsible for managing all of their own booking and travel requirements, including medical and travel insurance. All further conditions attached to the Award must be acquitted within one year of the announcement.

Past Winners

2024:

2023:

2022:

2019: Dr Nicola Beckett, a Chemist and Research Officer at ChemCentre. Nicola was to travel to the USA and Brazil in 2020 to continue her work and expand her skills in the area of proteomic analysis. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has postponed her travel plans.

2018: Linda Jones, a forensic document examiner from the Victoria Police Forensic Services Department. In 2019, Linda travelled to the USA to attend the annual meeting of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners, and to Portugal to attend the biennial meeting of the European Network of Forensic Handwriting Experts. While away, she also visited laboratories around North America and Europe to share and discuss issues around human factors, evidence evaluation and reporting, and best practice in forensic document examination. A summary of Linda’s experiences can be found here.

2017: Dr Sally Ann Harbison, a DNA specialist from ESR, NZ. Sally Ann travelled to London and Amsterdam in May 2018 to learn more about the practical applications of massively parallel sequencing in forensic science (including the development of quality standards), next-generation sequencing technology, and current developments/future research in mRNA typing for body fluid ID in routine casework. Sally Ann’s full report can be found here.

2016: Dr Greta Frankham, a post doctoral researcher at the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics. Greta travelled to Europe in 2017 to attend the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science meeting and visit colleagues in other wildlife forensics laboratories.

2015: Natasha Mitchell, a DNA specialist from Forensic Science South Australia.  Natasha travelled to the USA during 2016 to visit a number of laboratories and research institutions and to attend the International Symposium of Human Identification in Minneapolis. Her report can be accessed here.

2014: Caroline Gibb, a fingerprint expert from the Victoria Police Forensic Services Department.  In 2015, Caroline visited fingerprint colleagues in the Netherlands and Switzerland and attended the EAFS conference in the Czech Republic.

2013: Sergeant Gerard Dutton, a firearms and tool marks expert in Tasmania Police Forensic Services. In 2014, Gerard attended the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) annual meeting of the Firearms/GSR Working Group, along with visiting relevant forensic laboratories in the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany.

2012: Dr Runa Daniel, a forensic geneticist at the Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre.  In early 2013 Dr Daniel visited a variety of molecular laboratories in the USA and Spain to strengthen her expertise in DNA-based intelligence tools.

2011: Dr Robyn Somerville, an expert in the forensic analysis of illicit drugs at ESR in New Zealand.  During 2012, Dr Somerville attended the European Academy of Forensic Science meeting in the Netherlands, followed by a series of visits to forensic drug laboratories in Europe and the UK.  A highlight was a visit to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna.

2010: Sarah Donnelly, previously a forensic officer in Victoria Police Forensic Services.  Sarah travelled to The Hague in the Netherlands, where she undertook a Visiting Professional Placement with the Investigation Division of the International Criminal Court.  She has since taken up a position with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna.

2008: Sheree Hughes-Stamm, a senior teaching fellow and PhD researcher at Bond University.  Sheree travelled to the 6th International Society of Applied Biological Sciences Conference in Croatia and visited the International Centre on Missing Persons in Sarajevo, The University of Copenhagen, Denmark and the University of North Texas.  During her travels, Sheree enhanced her knowledge in relation to forensic anthropology and the DNA identification of degraded samples.

2007: Duncan McCarthy, a fingerprint officer from the Queensland Police Service.  Duncan travelled to the Seventh International Conference on Forensic Inference and Statistics at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. He also visited the Federal Office of Police in Berne, Switzerland to research digital and nano-techniques relating to fingerprint technology.

The Adelaide Medal was introduced at the 12^th Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences in 1990 to mark the holding of the IAFS meeting in Adelaide. It was provided by the then IAFS President, Dr Bill Tilstone and the South Australian Branch of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.

The view of the organizing committee at the time was that the medal should be for scientific achievement that had a marked influence on the forensic sciences from an international perspective. Work that resulted in a change of direction, new thinking or significant improvement in current methodologies should be recognised. It was not intended that the award be for management or administrative achievement.

Please contact the SA Branch or anzfss_executive@outlook.com for more information.

Previous recipients of the Medal are:

Requirements and Operation

• The Medal shall be known as the ADELAIDE MEDAL
• One Medal shall be awarded at each IAFS meeting
• The Medal shall be awarded for personal, significant contribution to the advancement of the forensic sciences
• The recipient must be, or have been, a practitioner
• The recipient must be outstanding in his or her area
• The Medal should be inscribed with the name of the recipient and the year of presentation
• A citation from the Council of IAFS should accompany the presentation of the Medal

Nomination Procedure and Selection Process

Nomination of candidates for the Adelaide Medal will be initiated by the IAFS President in-office, at the request of the Committee of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (South Australian Branch) 12 months prior to the date of the IAFS meeting at which the Medal will be awarded.

The following organisations are each invited to recommend a candidate for the Medal together with a summary of their candidates’ achievements (see submission guidelines below):

• Organising Committee of the IAFS Meeting
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences
• Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society
• European Network of Forensic Science Institutes
• Forensic Science Society of the United Kingdom
• Mediterranean Academy of Forensic Sciences

The nominations will be passed to the Council of IAFS for forwarding to the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society no later than 6 months prior to the IAFS meeting. After reviewing the submissions, the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society will prepare a list of four names, with one being the suggested recipient of the medal for consideration by the South Australian Branch. This consideration will take place at least 5 months prior to the IAFS meeting. Once the winner of the Medal has been finalised, the medal will be engraved, and forwarded to the Organising Committee for presentation at the IAFS Meeting. The recipient will be notified no later than 4 months prior to the IAFS meeting. To raise the awareness and prestige of the Adelaide Medal, the winner will be invited to give a plenary lecture on the occasion when he or she receives the medal.

Submission Guidelines

The following information should form the summary of each candidate’s achievements and may be provided in prose or dot points:

• Brief biography including background, qualifications and current position (up to 500 words)
• Specific contribution to the advancement of the forensic sciences, outlining work as a practitioner and the outstanding nature of the contribution (up to 750 words)
• Awards and prizes
• Publications
  • Total number of peer-reviewed publications (e.g. journal articles, book chapters, books)
  • A selection of up to 10 with a 50-word explanation of the importance of the selected published work
• Major research projects/grants/patents
  • Total number of these
  • A selection of up to 10 with a 50-word explanation of the importance of each