Considered as one of the foremost international experts in forensic DNA statistics, Dr Duncan Taylor PSM has been awarded the prestigious Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency National Institute of Forensic Science (ANZPAA NIFS) John Harber Phillips Award 2025.
The principal scientist of forensic statistics at Forensic Science South Australia is a world-leading forensic DNA and statistics practitioner.
The award recognises Dr Taylor’s outstanding contribution to forensic science and innovation. The award was formally presented in Melbourne in October 2025 at the 27th International Symposium of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS).
Dr Taylor has dedicated his career to advancing forensic DNA interpretation and developing methodologies that have transformed the way evidence is analysed and presented in court. His groundbreaking work has improved the quality of forensic science globally, enhanced justice outcomes and strengthened investigative capabilities.
In conjunction with co-developers, Dr Taylor developed the internationally adopted software named STRmxTM, which probabilistically interprets DNA profiles. This innovation has had wide-ranging impacts on solving crime and improving justice, both nationally and internationally.
A key question in courtrooms is not only whether DNA links a person to a scene, but also how the DNA got there.
In an Australian first, Dr Taylor developed methodologies to address this question, providing greater clarity to prosecutors, defence counsel, judges and jurors. His leadership in evaluative reporting – first introducing it into Australian casework in 2017 – has since influenced forensic practice worldwide across DNA, fingerprint, fibre and other evidence types.
Dr Taylor has also been at the forefront of developing artificial neural networks and machine learning for DNA profile analysis, further improving the efficiency, consistency and quality of forensic interpretation.
His work continues to:
- increase community safety by providing more investigative information to police.
- improve justice outcomes for victims and defendants; and
- raise international standards in forensic DNA interpretation.
Dr Taylor’s contributions have been widely recognised.
He was part of the team awarded the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Science Award in 2018 and, in 2021, he received the Public Service Medal for his contributions to forensic statistics. In 2025, he was the inaugural recipient of the Australian Federal Police Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science. Dr Taylor has authored or co-authored more than 150 papers, two books and mentored the next generation of forensic scientists, while maintaining a full-time role in active forensic casework.
Sophie Goldsmith, Director of ANZPAA National Institute of Forensic Science, said the award was richly deserved.
“Dr Taylor is an outstanding innovator in forensic science,” she said.
“His groundbreaking research has led to better quality evidence being presented in court and has improved and standardised forensic DNA interpretation internationally. He is well known to the ANZPAA NIFS community as a consistent winner of the ANZPAA NIFS Best Paper Awards.”
Reflecting on the award, Dr Taylor said: “It is a wonderful recognition not only for me, but also of the incredible support I have had from colleagues, mentors and collaborators throughout my career.
“This award highlights the importance of advancing science and innovation, and I hope it will inspire others who are passionate about making a difference through forensic research.”
