Forensic Medicine

Forensic Medicine

We’re home to the Department of Forensic Medicine, working in close partnership with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine to develop the next generation of leading forensic practitioners.

From examining premature deaths and preventable injuries to inappropriate prescribing of drugs, our research has been contributing to public health policies and evidence-based practices for more than two decades.

Our focus areas

Department of Forensic Medicine

We provide stewardship of Monash University’s strategic partnership with The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, enabling an extensive portfolio of research devoted to advancing forensic medical and scientific practice, both nationally and internationally.

Head of Department

Professor Richard Bassed

Centres and major initiatives

Victorian Institute of
Forensic Medicine

The VIFM provides the justice system with crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. We investigate deaths reported to the coroner, examine alleged offenders, and medically assess and support victims of crime.

National Forensics Institute of the Philippines

We’re partnering with the Australian Government and University of the Philippines to establish this crucial missing link in the Philippines’ ability to investigate unexplained deaths and take an evidence-based approach to injury and death prevention.

Our courses

Visit our Professional Education page for a list of upcoming short course dates, including:

Our impact in action

Decade-long study of injured Victorian drivers finds rise in illicit drug use

A Monash University study of mandatory blood samples taken from 10,000 injured drivers presenting to hospitals in Victoria over the decade to the end of June 2023 revealing that Illicit drugs were present in almost 23 per cent of drivers
Public Health and Preventive Medicine 8 February, 2026

Monash celebrates historic milestone for forensic medicine in the Philippines

Monash University marked another major milestone in its work to strengthen health and wellbeing in the Indo-Pacific when Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice President, joined the Australian Ambassador to
Public Health and Preventive Medicine 20 June, 2025

Monash University study sheds light on coward punch fatalities in Australia

A groundbreaking study led by Monash University and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine has provided new insights into Coward Punch offences in Australia.
Public Health and Preventive Medicine 26 May, 2025

Investigating trends in alcohol and other drugs in injured and fatal road crashes over a decade: study

Methylamphetamine is the most common illicit drug found in injured and fatal car drivers and motorcyclists in Victoria from 2010 to 2019, Monash University-led research has found.
Public Health and Preventive Medicine 22 January, 2025

First reports from blood testing of unwell music festival goers reveals concerning results

Ahead of pill testing being introduced in Victoria in time for the music festival season over the Summer, the first study examining patients presenting to medical services at Victoria’s music festivals has been published.
Public Health and Preventive Medicine 6 September, 2024
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