Join us for an evening of insight, reflection, and discovery at the 2026 Graeme Schofield Oration and Banquet Dinner, proudly presented by the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) and Monash University.
This event brings together experts, professionals, and enthusiasts from various fields to hear about the intersection of forensic science and humanitarian initiatives. The VIFM and Monash University aim to create awareness about the important role forensic medicine and science play in responding to complex humanitarian challenges and international injustices.
The evening begins with a FREE public lecture open to everyone, with a truly remarkable keynote speaker, followed by an optional banquet dinner in the more intimate setting of the Garden Restaurant, which includes an informal Q&A with our keynote speaker.
FREE PUBLIC LECTURE | 6.00pm-7.00pm | Thursday 29 October 2026
Clemenger BBDO Auditorium | National Gallery of Victoria | Southbank | Melbourne
This year we are honoured to welcome Dr Soren Blau AM from the International Commission on Missing Persons as this year’s keynote speaker. Dr Blau will deliver a compelling lecture, sharing her expertise and perspectives on the political, technical, and social challenges of large-scale missing persons investigations. Following the oration, guests are warmly invited to attend an optional banquet dinner, offering an opportunity to connect with colleagues and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.
This event is relevant to legal experts, forensic practitioners, human rights students, researchers, practitioners and those who want to
learn more about this field of endeavour.
Dr Soren Blau AM, BA (Hons), MSc, PhD, FFSc (RCPA), CF
Head of Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology Division, ICMP
Soren’s keynote is titled “Giving Names to Numbers: The Role of the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) in Supporting Large-Scale Identification Efforts.” Soren joined ICMP in 2023 following 18 years as Senior Forensic Anthropologist and Head of Identification Services at the VIFM. In 2021, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her contributions to forensic medicine and science.
BANQUET DINNER | 7.00pm – 10.00pm | Thursday 29 October 2026
Garden Restaurant | National Gallery of Victoria | Southbank | Melbourne | $225 p.p.
We are delighted to invite you to a 3-course banquet dinner in the Garden Restaurant immediately following the lecture, where you will also have the opportunity to join in a more intimate Q&A session with our Keynote speaker Dr Soren Blau, who will be joined by Dr Sam Rowbotham, VIFM’s Senior Forensic Anthropologist and Manager of Human ID Services. This unique restaurant is nestled within the Gallery, and highly regarded for its contemporary cuisine and service, in the heart of Melbourne’s cultural precinct.
Dinner is priced at $225 per ticket, with an option to book a whole table for 8 people at $1800 per table. Your dinner booking includes canapes, a three-course dinner (entree, main course & dessert), a drink, and exclusive access to the informal Q&A with two of Australia’s most prominent Anthropologists.
Book your FREE lecture ticket and / or your dinner reservation today!
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Graeme Schofield Oration FREE lecture |
Graeme Schofield Oration Banquet Dinner |
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18:00 – 19:00 | Thursday 29 October 2026 |
19:00 – 22.00 | Thursday 29 October 2026 |
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FREE | tickets must be reserved in advance |
Three course dinner with drink $225.00 p.p. |
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Clemenger BBDO Auditorium | National Gallery of |
Garden Restaurant | National Gallery of Victoria | Southbank | Melbourne |
Download a PDF Graeme Schofield Oration and Banquet Dinner Flyer HERE
ABOUT THE GRAEME SCHOFIELD ORATION
The Graeme Schofield Oration is a free prestigious lecture series in forensic and humanitarian science, honouring a key figure in Australian medicine and bringing expert insight to complex real-world issues involving death investigation, justice, and public health.
GRAEME CALDERWOOD SCHOFIELD, OBE | Medical Educator | 1924-2010 |
The event is named for the late Emeritus Professor Graeme Schofield, former Professor of Anatomy and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University. Professor Schofield was one of the founders of the VIFM, an eminent researcher and a charismatic and inspirational teacher and leader in medicine. In fact, Schofield devoted his life to medical education, research and administration. At the time of his passing, he was survived by his wife Barbara, children John, Gillian and Peter, and six grandchildren. The Schofield family have a long tradition of attending the Oration and Dinner to honour Graeme’s legacy.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA
The National Gallery of Victoria, popularly known as the NGV, is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. It is located in the heart of the city of Melbourne. The closest train station is Flinders Street Station, a 500m walk away, or via a one-stop tram ride. There are bicycle lanes running north and south along St Kilda Road. The closest on-street bicycle hoops are located on St Kilda Road, directly outside the entrance.
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006