New centre for forensic science opens

A new Centre for Forensic Science, bringing together The University of Western Australia’s expertise in all areas of forensics, has been officially opened.

UWA is at the forefront of forensic research in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in entomology; anthropology; human and animal DNA profiling; chemical gold and diamond ‘fingerprinting’; and food forensics.

The Centre for Forensic Science, which will consolidate the university’s forensic science laboratories and expertise in one place, was opened by Bill Marmion MLA, Minister for Commerce; Science and Innovation; Housing and Works.

More than 100 students are enrolled in the centre’s courses, making it one of the largest postgraduate communities on campus. It offers a Graduate Certificate and Diploma, Masters and a PhD.

The centre also offers three scholarships a year to forensic officers in the WA Police to enrol in Graduate Diplomas, Masters and PhD courses.

Many students with degrees in Forensic Science have joined the WA Police. The centre also collaborates with the Federal Police force.