John Harber Phillips Award

In honour of the late Honourable Professor John Harber Phillips AC QC, NIFS presents this award biennially to an individual making an exceptional and long-lasting contribution to the advancement of the forensic sciences through leadership and innovative thinking. A committee comprising esteemed representatives of the forensic sciences, police, and legal communities judge the award. NIFS encourages forensic science, forensic medicine, police, and legal community peers to nominate a fellow Australian or New Zealander for the John Harber Phillips Award by completing the nomination form, which outlines nominee eligibility and award criteria, and requests information to assist in judging.

2025 Award Recipient

Dr Duncan Taylor PSM

Dr Duncan Taylor PSM

Dr Duncan Taylor PSM is a world-leading forensic DNA and statistics practitioner whose pioneering work has transformed the interpretation of forensic evidence nationally and internationally. He co-developed the software STRmix™, which probabilistically interprets DNA profiles and has been adopted worldwide to solve crime and strengthen justice outcomes.

In an Australian first, Dr Taylor introduced methodologies to help courts answer the critical question: How did the DNA get there? He also led the introduction of evaluative reporting into Australian casework in 2017, now widely applied across DNA, fingerprint, fibre, and biological evidence. His research into artificial neural networks and machine learning continues to improve the quality, efficiency and standardisation of forensic science.

Dr Taylor has authored more than 150 papers, two books and mentored forensic scientists. He has received numerous accolades, including the inaugural Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science (2025), Australian Public Service Medal (2021) and the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Science Award (2018).

Media Release

 

Previous Award Recipients

Previous Award Recipients

Professor Linzi Wilson-Wilde OAM

2022 Award recipient

Media Release

Previous Award Recipients

Emeritus Professor Roger Byard AO PSM

2018 Award Recipient

Media Release

 

Previous Award Recipients

Mr Alastair Ross AM

2016 Award Recipient

Media Release

 

Dr Tony Raymond AM

Dr Tony Raymond AM

2014 Award Recipient

Media Release

Dr Tony Raymond AM

Dr John Buckleton

2012 Award Recipient

Media Release

 

Dr Tony Raymond AM

Emeritus Professor Hilton Kobus

2011 Award Recipient

Media Release

 


Wayne Chisnall

2010 Award Recipient
 

Media Release



Nominations

Nominations will open in 2027.

Recognising outstanding contributions in forensic sciences in Australia and New Zealand.

The biennial John Harber Phillips Award is given to an exceptional individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and excellence in the advancement of the forensic sciences in Australia and New Zealand.

Forensic science, law enforcement and legal communities are encouraged to nominate a fellow colleague from the field of forensic sciences for the Award.

Entry is open to individual Australian or New Zealand citizens who have made significant contributions in the field of the forensic sciences in Australia and New Zealand.