Jodie Ward PSM PhD CF is a forensic human identification (HID) specialist who has dedicated her career to leveraging advanced DNA technology to name the unidentified, locate the missing and provide answers to families across Australia. Dr Ward is the founder and director of Forensic Human Identification Co., a unique social enterprise that democratises expert forensic HID services to support the timely identification and dignified repatriation of unknown deceased persons worldwide. As the forensic geneticist for the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam, she is guiding the large-scale, DNA-led identification of commingled juvenile remains recovered from a former Mother and Baby Institution in Ireland. Dr Ward is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in Forensic Genetics at both the University of Technology Sydney and Adelaide University, where she conducts collaborative research to enhance DNA techniques for identifying skeletonised remains and repatriating Indigenous remains.
Dr Ward’s pioneering work includes establishing and leading the New South Wales Specialist DNA Laboratory (2011 – 2019) and Australia’s National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons (2020 – 2024). She operationalised several new forensic genomics tools for missing persons casework in Australia, including specialised DNA extraction techniques, whole mitochondrial genome sequencing, forensic DNA phenotyping and forensic investigative genetic genealogy. These capabilities have resolved or advanced hundreds of historical and contemporary cases involving missing persons, disaster victims, war casualties and Indigenous ancestors. She has published best practice guidelines for interdisciplinary forensic HID investigations and DNA-led identification programs, and continues to champion the equitable use of these approaches in humanitarian forensic contexts. For her significant contributions to the field, Dr Ward was awarded the 2024 Public Service Medal and a 2015 Churchill Fellowship.
