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 Department of 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

A new era began for the Institute on 1 July 2025 with the commencement of The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Act 2024.  This replaced the prior VIFM Act 1985 as our enabling legislation and will reinforce our position as a world-leading forensic medicine institution. The new Act strengthens our governance arrangements, promotes improved engagement with our stakeholders, and embeds training and research as core VIFM functions.

A new Board and Chair was appointed on 1 July 2025, and new roles of Chief Executive Officer and Director of Forensic Medicine of the VIFM were created. Change has been constant throughout our almost forty-year history, and we are ready to embrace the next exciting chapter of the VIFM’s remarkable journey. 

For media or government enquiries please contact communications@vifm.org

OUR BOARD

Our Board is responsible for governing the Institute. It sets the overall strategic direction of the organisation and provides high level oversight of the VIFM, ensuring it fulfils its duties and functions. Dr Margaret Grigg AM is the Chair of the VIFM Board.

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

  • Audit, Finance & Risk Committee
  • People, Safety and Quality Committee
  • Human Research Ethics Committee

OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM

The Executive team is a monthly forum convened by the CEO and consults on strategy and service delivery. This team is also responsible for organisational performance and results, including the occupational health and safety and wellbeing of the staff.

Prof. Noel Woodford

Chief Executive Officer and Director of Forensic Medicine

Mari-Ann Scott

Chief Operating Officer

Peter Ford

Chief Finance Officer

Prof. Richard Bassed

Head, Academic Programs

Assoc. Prof. Joanna Glengarry

Head of Forensic Pathology Services

Prof. Dimitri Gerostamoulos

Head, Forensic Sciences & Chief Toxicologist

Brendan Sullivan

Head of Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria

Frances Adamas

Manager, Quality and Improvement

Dr Kean Kuan

Chief Medical Officer

Mark Gardiner

Executive Director, Digital Transformation & CIO

Dr Mau Wee

Head of Service, Clinical Forensic Medicine

MANAGER, LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER