Calling all university students with an interest in science!
Join us at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine for an insightful panel discussion during National Science Week. This free event will explore the critical role of forensic science in our justice system, focusing on the analysis of drugs in human samples and their effects on behaviour. Our panel of forensic experts will delve into the cutting-edge forensic technologies and methodologies used to detect different substances and the impact they have on human physiology. Come along to gain a deeper understanding of how forensic science supports criminal investigations and community safety.
Following the hour-long discussion, there will be a 30-minute Q&A session where you can engage directly with the experts, ask questions, and explore new and emerging forensic technologies. This is a unique opportunity for university students and science enthusiasts to learn from leaders in the field of forensic medicine.
Register here to save your spot at this free event today!
Note: This event will not be available online or on live-stream.
Event Details:
Date: Monday 12 August, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Venue: Plueckhahn Theatre, The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM), 65 Kavanagh St, Southbank VIC 3006
Meet the Panellists:
Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann
Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann is Head of the Drug Intelligence Unit at the VIFM and the Department of Forensic Medicine. Herresearch examines the harms associated with drugs in the community to inform Australian public health policy and practice, with a particular focus on addiction, misuse and overdose. She utilises her experience in Forensic Toxicology and Public Health research to draw information from numerous different clinical and forensic data sources, providing translational research pertinent to current Australian trends in drug use.
Dr. Maaike Moller
Maaike is a forensic physician at the VIFM. Her clinical background is in women’s health. She is the clinical lead for a national training program in responding to sexual violence. She also has pro-bono appointments with the International Criminal Court and Physicians for Human Rights.
Dr. Jared Castle
Dr Jared Castle is a Research Scientist within the Toxicology department at the VIFM, whose doctoral research investigated the stability of prescription medicines in a ‘simulated’ post-mortem environment. He is a Toxicologist responsible for the analysis of casework specimens for the presence of drugs and poisons and for developing new analytical methods. His expertise in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry has enabled the laboratory to utilise high resolution-mass spectrometry screening methods that enable the detection of emerging drugs used in the community.
Matthew Di Rago
Matthew Di Rago is a Senior Forensic Toxicologist and Analytical Specialist in the Toxicology laboratory at VIFM. He has over 15 years’ experience in Forensic Toxicology and is responsible for the development of new drug detection techniques for use in forensic casework. He is also involved in research projects investigating Victorian drug use trends including their effects on driving and crash-risk to help inform road safety strategies in Victoria, as well as other projects to detect new and emerging drugs used in the community.
