Forensic Science: An International Perspective

We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming presentation on 8 May at 6 PM at Forensic Science Qld (FSQ). The event, titled “Forensic Science: An International Perspective,” will feature Laeeque Ahmed, Carlijn Steen and Bart Blankers, esteemed experts in their fields. They will share valuable insights and innovative ideas that are sure to inspire and inform. This is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with fellow members, and engage in a lively discussion.

The presentation will be available via live stream, with a Teams link sent to registered attendees on the day of the event. For those joining us in person, light refreshments will be provided before the presentation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Presenters

Laeeque Ahmed

Laeeque Ahmed joined Forensic Science Queensland in August 2024 as a Senior Scientist in the Forensic Biology Division. With over a decade of experience, he has led pivotal DNA investigations at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency in Pakistan. He has resolved numerous high-profile cases, including terrorism, homicide, disaster victim identification, and serial sexual assault cases. At the ANZFSS meeting, Laeeque will discuss his role as the lead DNA analyst in the high-profile Zainab rape and murder case in Pakistan, highlighting the power of forensic DNA in criminal investigations and its lasting impact on forensic practices in the region.

Carlijn Steen

Carlijn Steen completed her research master ‘Biomedical Science’ with a specialisation in Genetics and Genomics at Maastricht University in The Netherlands. She then started her career in Forensic Science as a Forensic Scientist at The Maastricht Forensic Institute (TMFI) where she was trained.  She has coordinated and reported various types of cases. Besides casework, she was involved in project management, quality assurance and validations with a specific focus on continuous improvement of methodologies at TMFI. In October 2024, she moved to Brisbane to work as a Senior Forensic Scientist at Forensic Science Queensland to case manage and report major crimes.

Bart Blankers

Bart Blankers completed a master’s in biomedical sciences at the University of Amsterdam and a master’s in forensic science at King’s College in the UK. He then joined The Netherlands Forensic Institute where her was trained as a Forensic DNA expert. When he left the NFI, he was employed by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior where he did policy development and management. During this time, he was employed on a part time basis by The Maastricht Forensic Institute as a Senior Forensic Scientist. He eventually joined TMFI full time where, besides doing casework, he held a position as team leader and member of the management team. In October 2024 he moved to Brisbane and joined Forensic Science Queensland as a Senior Forensic Scientist. During his career Bart has worked on many different types of cases, been involved with R&D, done quality assurance, and provided training to experts and members of the criminal justice system.