Dr James Robertson PSM
National Manager Forensic, Australian Federal Police

This presentation will look at how the forensic sciences have evolved since the 1970’s to today, and how they might evolve towards 2020.

It will examine the major influences on this evolutionary pathway, scientific, managerial and societal.  It will analyse, and invite debate on, the good and the not so good aspects of the forensic world today.  It will challenge the audience to consider the world of forensic science in which they wish to work and what they will need to do if they wish to influence that future.

Adj Professor James Robertson PSM
National Manager, Forensic and Data Centres
Australian Federal Police

James holds the degrees of BSc (Hons) and PhD from the University of Glasgow.  Originally an agricultural botanist and plant physiologist he entered the world of forensic science as a lecturer in forensic science at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland in the mid 1970’s.  His interest in forensic science gradually dominated and he moved into the practitioner world of forensic science moving to Australia in 1985 to work in the South Australia forensic laboratories.  In 1989 he was appointed as the first non sworn head of forensic services with the Australian Federal Police.  Now in charge of the AFP’s Forensic and Data Centres portfolio, James has been in the Senior Executive Service for 18 years.

Dr Robertson has maintained his interest in education at the University of Technology, Sydney and the University of Canberra.  He is also a Courtesy Professor at the University of Florida.

Dr Robertson is the Editor of the Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, on the editorial board of several other journals, has edited or co edited several key books in the forensic sciences and has an extensive publication record.  He sits on, or chairs, numerous academic and government advisory committees and steering groups.  He is a member of Council of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences and in 2004 was awarded the Australian Public Service Medal (PSM) for his services to forensic science and law enforcement.  In 2007 he was made an Honoury Doctor of the University of Canberra.