New cutting-edge forum for forensic medicine

Mar 11 2009

A new communicative forum for forensic medicine and science has been established at the University of Sydney to help provide more effective forensic services across NSW.

The Sydney Forensic Medicine and Science Network, an initiative of the University's Faculty of Medicine, is the first of its kind to cohesively unite both researchers and workers in forensic service delivery, allowing greater academic input into forensic clinical services to maintain their cutting edge.

The Network will bridge the gap between forensic medicine and science's disparate arms of academia and service delivery. Professor Rodney Trent, Chair of the Scientific & Clinical Advisory Committee believes this interactivity will help instil critical changes to the state's forensic services.

"Forensic services in NSW need to improve," Professor Trent said. "To get to that stage we need to know what new initiatives are on the horizon, what the latest technologies are, and consider better ways of doing things.

"The Network is really an opportunity for people to work more effectively for others helping give people the chance to interact and become more productive in teaching and services."

The interactive forum aims to encourage high quality research into forensic medicine and science, helping to inform those working in the service delivery end of forensics about new developments and procedures.

The Network will also foster educational opportunities in forensic medicine and science through the development of new intensive short courses available at the University of Sydney.

To further improve communications in the area of forensics, it is anticipated that the Network will act as a forensic directory, linking members of the community, the legal profession, government and non-government organisations to experts in the field.

The Network is expected to evolve into a formal institution within the University of Sydney over the coming years, with its current multidisciplinary members including experts in anthropology, forensic pathology, forensic odontology, and clinical forensic medicine.

The Sydney Forensic Medicine and Science Network is currently recruiting members. Becoming a member allows access to other individuals and organisations with common interests in forensic medicine and science.

The three classes of membership include members and alumni of the University of Sydney, students from the University, as well as corporate members.

A membership application form is available from the member's section of the website.