About us

WHO WE ARE

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) is an institution focused on forensic medicine, serving the community and the justice system. Our statutory responsibilities are to provide independent forensic medical and scientific expertise to the justice system, tissue for transplantation, and to both teach and undertake research that will benefit the community.

The VIFM provides the justice system with crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. Our doctors, nurses and scientists investigate deaths reported to the coroner, examine alleged offenders, and medically assess and support victims of crime.

The Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria (DTBV) supports patients and their families by providing safe tissues to medical specialists and Victorian hospitals for transplantation and medical research, benefitting many patients every year.

Our medical and scientific staff undertake research that promotes public health and safety and the just working of our legal system. By contributing to the professional development and education of forensic pathologists, physicians and scientists, we ensure a high standard of forensic medical services for Victoria and provide critical support for our healthcare and justice systems.

OUR WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The VIFM is a statutory agency within the Justice and Community Safety portfolio and our responsible minister is the Victorian Attorney-General.

The strength of the working relationships we have with our clients and stakeholders is critical to our work. Our primary stakeholders include the Coroners Court of Victoria and Victoria Police and we work closely with many other agencies and institutions including the university and health sectors.

OUR ROLE IN TEACHING, TRAINING AND RESEARCH

The VIFM’s founding legislation and mission requires us to promote, provide and assist with professional training and research in forensic medicine and related scientific disciplines.

These academic activities in medicine, law and science are fundamental to the VIFM’s credibility in the courts and allow us to maintain a highly professional standing in national and international medical, legal and scientific communities.

Mission

We exist to provide quality-driven, ethically grounded, independent forensic medical and scientific services for the justice system; to expand and share our knowledge locally and globally; and to make a positive contribution to the health and safety of our community.

Vision

We will continue to be a trusted and innovative leader in global forensic medicine and science.

OUR STORY

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) was established in 1985 by the enactment of Part 9 of the Coroners Act 1985 to provide forensic pathology and scientific services to the State Coroner and Victorian justice system.  In 1989 the Institute established the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria and in 1995 incorporated Clinical Forensic Medicine, engaging forensic physicians to examine victims of crime under an agreement with Victoria Police.

Our People


THE VIFM COUNCIL

The VIFM Council governs the Institute on behalf of the Attorney-General, sets the overall strategic direction of the organisation, and provides high level oversight of senior management’s actions in implementation of that strategic direction.  It informs the Attorney-General and Department of Justice and Regulation of major organisational risks and the measures in place to address those risks.

To support the VIFM Council, four committees exist to help ensure compliance with legislative, accreditation and other regulatory requirements. These include:

  • The Executive and Finance Committee
  • The Audit and Risk Committee
  • The VIFM Ethics Committee
  • The Donor Tissue Bank Advisory Board

THE VIFM EXECUTIVE

The Executive is a monthly forum convened by the Director and is used to consult about key strategic matters. Additionally, the team is responsible for organisational performance and results including the occupational health and safety and wellbeing of the staff.

Noel Woodford

Director

Mari-Ann Scott

Chief Operating Officer

Peter Ford

Chief Finance Officer

Richard Bassed

Deputy Director and Head, Academic Programs

Linda Iles

Head of Forensic Pathology Services

Dimitri Gerostamoulos

Head, Forensic Sciences & Chief Toxicologist,

Forensic Services

Brendan Sullivan

Head of Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria

Danielle Moloney

Acting Manager, Quality and Improvement

Dr Kean Kuan

Chief Medical Officer / Deputy Director

Mark Gardiner

Executive Director, Digital Transformation &

Chief Information Officer