2005 Young Tall Poppy Science Award Recipient

Dr Simon Walsh
Department of Forensic Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Technology, Sydney

DNA profiling is arguably the world’s most powerful forensic investigative tool; however, its use is controversial due to its enormous potential to convict a suspect and other valuable information that may also exist on the genome. Successful use of forensic DNA profiling depends on the maintenance of a reliable position in the eyes of the general community and those associated with the provision of justice. Dr Simon Walsh is a forensic biologist who has supervised and reported on many criminal cases and provided expert testimony on over 50 occasions.

Simon’s research evaluates the impact of forensic DNA profiling on the criminal justice system. He has worked extensively with the implementation and operation of DNA database technology and also supports State and Territory laboratories in casework involving complex evidence interpretation through his role on the National Institute of Forensic Science Standing Committee for Sub-population Data Testing. Simon currently lectures in Forensic Biology at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and has added to the community’s understanding of this important area by presenting public lectures, plenary addresses and government briefings.

After graduating from the University of Queensland with First Class Honours in Anatomy, Simon undertook his PhD at the Centre for Forensic Science, UTS. He has featured in over 20 print and screen media stories and regularly runs professional training workshops for practitioners from the scientific, police and legal domains and has led such workshops in Australia, New Zealand, China, the United Kingdom and the Philippines.

Simon volunteers to spend time with secondary school students through programs such as Science in the City, Science in the Bush, school career days and the CSIRO Student Research Scheme. He also provides occasional assistance in criminal casework to the Aboriginal Legal Service.

Simon received a Young Tall Poppy Science Award in 2005.