Award Recipients
2011 Award Winner - Professor Hilton Kobus
Professor Hilton Kobus’ influential role in transforming forensic science into a dynamic profession, was instrumental in his achieving the John Harber Phillips Award says Alastair Ross, Director of ANZPAA NIFS.
Professor Kobus was announced today as the recipient of the ANZPAA National Institute of Forensic Science (ANZPAA NIFS) John Harber Phillips Award. The Award recognises excellence in forensic sciences in Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Ross congratulated Prof Kobus on the Award and said: “The Award recognises Professor Kobus’ dedication and commitment to the profession and his exceptional leadership skills. In Australia he has been a guiding voice in areas of research, quality management and administration.”
“I have a great deal of personal and professional respect for the late Hon. John Harber Phillips. His wisdom and his unbelievable enthusiasm for forensic science has made receiving this award even more rewarding and indeed humbling for me. I also realise that my colleagues in the forensic science profession have nominated me for this award – receiving this level of recognition from them is quite overwhelming,” Professor Kobus said.
Professor Kobus has over 40 years experience across a very broad range of forensic science disciplines with specific areas of expertise including chemical criminalistics, gunshot residue analysis and fingerprint chemistry.
“Although many dedicated people have contributed to the advancement of forensic science in Australia, Professor Kobus has played a major role due to the breadth and longevity of his involvement and the passion and intellect he brings to any position he holds,” said Mr Ross.
Professor Kobus' national contribution to the administration of forensic science is notable. He has provided continual leadership at a national level since 1992 and has held senior roles in all of the major national organisations including ANZPAA NIFS, NATA, SMANZFL and ANZFSS. In each of these positions he has provided clear leadership, stimulated debate and discussion and helped fashion policy.
“Forensic science provides a wonderful environment to work in and interact with so many great people. Professions are built on the people in them and forensic science in Australia is a perfect example of this,” said Professor Kobus.
Professor Kobus acknowledged the privilege it has been for him to work in a profession that gives individuals a great opportunity to do good for society.
“I think the forensic science contribution to victims of crime is something often overlooked. Without it, the trauma of many victims would continue,” said Professor Kobus.
Professor Kobus was awarded a Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (FRACI), and has been awarded a Fellowship of ANZPAA NIFS in 2007 for services to forensic science in Australia.
The John Harber Phillips Award and Medal will formally be presented to Professor Kobus at the Australia New Zealand Police Commissioners’ dinner in Canberra on 1 December 2011.