Jodie Ward

Dr Jodie Ward PSM CF is a forensic human identification (HID) specialist who has dedicated her career to leveraging advanced DNA technologies to name the unidentified, locate the missing and provide answers to families across Australia. She 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 from storage facilities, unmarked graves, former institutions, conflict zones and disaster sites worldwide. As the forensic geneticist for the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam, Dr Ward is guiding the large-scale, DNA-led identification of commingled juvenile remains recovered from a former Mother and Baby Institution in Ireland. She is also an adjunct associate professor in forensic genetics at The University of Adelaide and University of Technology Sydney, where she conducts collaborative research to enhance DNA techniques for identifying skeletonised remains.

Dr Ward’s pioneering work includes establishing the NSW Specialist DNA Laboratory (2011 – 2019) and Australia’s National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons (2020 – 2024). She has operationalised several forensic genomics tools for missing persons casework in Australia, including forensic investigative genetic genealogy. These capabilities have collectively resolved or advanced hundreds of historical and contemporary cases involving missing persons, homicide victims, war casualties and Indigenous peoples. Dr Ward is a former board member of The Missed Foundation (2018 – 2023) and currently serves on the International Commission on Missing Persons Expert Panel of Scientific Advisors. She has authored best practice guidelines for interdisciplinary forensic HID investigations and DNA-led identification programs and presented evidence in numerous coronial and criminal trials. For her significant contributions to the field, Dr Ward was awarded the 2024 Public Service Medal, 2022 Royal Australian Navy Group Commendation and a 2015 Churchill Fellowship.