Events

AAFS Plenary Session

AAFS Plenary Session: Thursday 11 June 2026 at 6pm.  Location: The Union University & Schools Club, 25 Bent Street (Cnr Phillip St), Sydney, NSW 2000

Title: Forensic botany – flying under the radar. Are their broader lessons for forensic science going forward? 

Speaker:  Professor Emeritus James Robertson 

Abstract:  This year marks 50 years since I started my journey in forensic science. Few people will know that my undergraduate degree was in agricultural botany and my PhD on seed dormancy. My culminating academic work will be authoring a book on forensic botany, out later this year, thereby bringing my academic and forensic career full circle. 

This presentation will offer a reflection on my five decades in forensic science, focusing on significant developments within the field. Using forensic botany as a case study, I will discuss how advancements have contributed positively to forensic science while also leading to the reduction of certain specialised disciplines. 

The reader might not realise it, but the preceding two paragraphs were authored by Co-Pilot, an AI tool from Microsoft. Will AI be the saviour for forensic botany and other specialised disciplines or a final nail in the coffin? 

Finally, I will reflect on issues such as quality assurance and accreditation, the role of universities and the professional gap in forensic science. 

Bio:  James Robertson graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1972 with a BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Botany and in 1976 with a PhD in plant physiology. Following a short period as a postdoctoral researcher in London he entered the world of forensic science as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde where he taught in the Master of Forensic Science from 1976 to 1985. James worked on a Royal Commission in South Australia in 1983 and in 1985 migrated to Australia in 1985 to work as a senior forensic scientist in Adelaide where one of his major roles was the examination of cannabis seizures and crops. He joined the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in 1989 as its first Director of forensic science. During the next 20 years he established the AFP forensic group as a world respected forensic organisation. 

Despite occupying a senior managerial role James always maintained his case work competency and his interest in all things academic! Hence, it was no surprise on his retirement from the AFP that he returned to an academic role as a Professorial Fellow at the University of Canberra (UC) and Director of the National Centre for Forensic Studies (NCFS). James ‘retired ‘(again) in 2019 but remains as a Professor Emeritus at UC. 

James has authored or co-authored over 200 academic papers and edited or co-edited several books on forensic science including books on fibres and hairs. He is Editor Emeritus of the Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences and a Life Member of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) having served both organisations as either President or Vice President. James has chaired all of the major forensic advisory groups in Australia during his career. His contributions to forensic science have been formally recognised with the Public Service Medal (PSM), a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and Doctor of the University of Canberra. 

James continues his active interest in, and passion for, the forensic aspects of trace evidence and criminalistics.