Dr Jodie Ward Psm Cf Email & Phone Number

I am an Adjunct Associate Professor (Forensic Genetics) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and was most recently Program Lead of the National DNA Program for Unidentified & Missing Persons at the Australian Federal Police (2020-2024). This unique role has facilitated my valuable contribution to the research, development and application of forensic human identification techniques for missing persons investigations in Australia over the last few years. I am an internationally recognised forensic human identification specialist who uses an interdisciplinary forensic approach to identify unknown deceased persons, link them to known missing persons and provide answers to their families. As a subject matter expert, I regularly deliver conference presentations and industry workshops, contribute to scientific publications and stakeholder forums, advise on legislation and policy, provide expert evidence for criminal and coronial cases and act as a media spokesperson and family advocate.I have held previous operational forensic roles with the New South Wales (NSW) Forensic & Analytical Science Service and NSW Police Force, and academic forensic roles with the UTS (as Director of the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research, 2019-2023), Canberra Institute of Technology and University of Canberra. I have postgraduate qualifications in forensic genetics (PhD), management and higher education, and I am a professional member of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences, Australian & New Zealand Forensic Science Society and International Society for Forensic Genetics. My commitment to resolving missing persons cases and pioneering new forensic human identification capabilities in Australia has seen me be awarded a prestigious 2024 Public Service Medal (PSM) and 2015 Churchill Fellowship (CF), invited to the International Commission on Missing Persons Expert Panel of Scientific Advisors, INTERPOL Disaster Victim Identification Forensic Genetics Sub-Working Group and Forensic Genomics Editorial Board, and recognised as one of the 2023 NSW Women of Excellence (NSW Government), 2021 Emerging Leaders in the Public & University Sector (Women’s Agenda), 2018 100 Women of Influence (Australian Financial Review) and 2017 Superstars of STEM (Science & Technology Australia).In my previous role as board member for The Missed Foundation (2018-2023), I was dedicated to improving policies, procedures, education and support relating to the provision, searching and matching of forensic information obtained from families of missing persons.