PhD Science, 2009; Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Chemistry and Forensic Science, 2000
Science Award and Chancellor's Award for Excellence
Dr Sarah Benson PSM is currently the Chief Forensic Scientist with the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Sarah is recognised for excellence and rigour in the field of forensic science, both nationally and internationally. She is also a distinguished and inspiring leader.
Dr Benson joined the AFP as a graduate from the UTS Forensic Science Honours degree in 2000. She went on to develop and implement structural and capability reform across the organisation and now leads 350 staff and manages an overall portfolio of $73 million.
Her PhD research into man-made explosives contributed to the prevention and investigation of many terrorist-related crimes. Subsequent research has produced breakthroughs in the development and validation of forensic methods – methods which were used in the investigation of several complex criminal incidents in Australia and overseas.
Dr Benson was the Forensics-Disaster Victim Identification Commander in The Netherlands and Ukraine in support of the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 during “Operation Bring Them Home” (2014) and also performed the role of Operations Manager for the Australian Law Enforcement support to New Zealand Police in response to the volcanic eruption on White Island on 9 December 2019.
She is also a member of the INTERPOL International Forensic Science Managers Symposium Organising Committee and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Executive Committee.
Dr Benson’s strategic approach to research, collaboration and innovation has had an impact on public policy, policing and community safety. She has helped position Australia and the AFP as a forensic partner-of-choice in our region and a world leader in forensic science.
I would like to continue to strengthen the partnerships across industry and academia to ensure graduates continue to be workforce ready in an ever changing environment and to ensure fields of specialisation, such as Forensic Science, continue evolving through research and enhanced scientific knowledge in order to maximise impact to combat the threats in our criminal environments and keep the Australian community safe.