NZ prize for forensics whiz
Dr Duncan Taylor PSM, a world-leading forensic DNA and statistics practitioner, has been awarded the prestigious Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency National Institute of Forensic Science John Harber Phillips Award 2025, recognising his outstanding contribution to forensic science and innovation.
The award was formally presented last month at the 27th International Symposium of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS). Flinders University graduate and lecturer Dr Taylor has dedicated his career to advancing forensic DNA interpretation and developing methodologies that have transformed the way evidence is analysed and presented in court.
In conjunction with co-developers, Dr Duncan developed the internationally adopted software, named STRmix™, which probabilistically interprets DNA profiles – and was part of the Flinders University forensic science team to win this year’s Australian Federal Police Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science. Dr Taylor has authored or co-authored more than 150 papers, two books and mentored the next generation of forensic scientists, while maintaining a full-time role in active forensic casework.
He says the NZ award “highlights the importance of advancing science and innovation and I hope it will inspire others who are passionate about making a difference through forensic research.”
Top honour in the Top End
The 2026 Australian of the Year for the Northern Territory is NT Medical Program alumnus Dr Felix Ho ASM.
Dr Felix Ho tirelessly serves remote communities in the Northern Territory as a medical practitioner. But for Felix, that’s not enough – he also volunteers thousands of his hours building the St John Youth Program and helps at public events as a St John first responder. Since joining as a St John cadet in 1995 at the age of 13, Felix has faithfully served others, including overseas as an Intensive Care Paramedic on a United Nations mission to Timor-Leste.
In 2020, he took on national leadership of the youth portfolio for St John Ambulance Australia, where he’s a guiding force for over 3,000 young people, equipping the next generation of first responders. Aligned with clinical standards, Felix developed interactive, accessible and engaging training for youth and cadets across Australia. Read more
Flinders researchers shine at Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation Awards
Congratulations to the Flinders University researchers who received funding at the 2026 Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation Awards.
Dr Natalie Stevens won the Frankham-Earl Award for the highest-scoring grant application, and Dr Todd Norton won the CRF Merit Award for the highest-scoring application by an ECR – both are SAHMRI postdoctoral researchers in Professor David Lynn’s group. CMPH researchers Dr Claire Jessup and Dr Jing Jing Wang secured funding for a Type 1 diabetes collaborative project with the SALHN Paediatrics team – a fantastic result that highlights the University’s strength and innovation in paediatric research.
Flinders University researchers Dr Marcela Radunz, Associate Professor Ryan Balzan, Professor Gerry Redmond and Mridula Sharma also received funding for projects addressing critical issues in adolescent health, wellbeing, and medical care.
90 new ARC College of Experts inducted
The Australian Research Council (ARC) has welcomed 90 new members, including Flinders researchers Professor Justin Chalker and Professor Sarah Wheeler, to the ARC College of Experts commencing in 2026. With returning members, the College now comprises 416 experts who will help shape the future of Australian research through their leadership and commitment.
The ARC College of Experts continues to play a pivotal role in supporting research excellence, integrity and innovation across Australia’s research sector. College members are entrusted with the responsibility of evaluating grant proposals, moderating assessments, and recommending projects for funding – ensuring that ARC-funded research delivers meaningful outcomes for the Australian community. See the full list of new members here.