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Bones, CSI, X-Files step aside — here come the real forensic scientists

October 6, 2026 · 55 min

Show notes

Forensics has gripped pop culture for decades. But what’s the reality of this job? From the crime scene to the laboratory, our expert panel examines the evidence, explains the science and reveals how the truth gets uncovered. In the real world, by people who do this work for a living.

Forensics: The Science of Blood, Body Bags and Biohazards was presented at the World Science Festival Brisbane. The UQ Impact Series is presented in partnership with The University of Queensland.

Speakers

Inspector Donna StewartQuality Manager of the Queensland Police Service’s Forensic Services Group

Dr Kristen ClarkeSenior Research Officer within the Forensic Services Group at the Queensland Police Service (QPS)

Dr Jack GarlandSpecialist forensic pathologist with Queensland Health

Dr Jeremy WatherstonDeputy Director, Forensic Operations for Forensic Science Queensland

Dr Jonathan Webb (host)Science journalist and broadcaster, Science editor at ABC Radio National

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