NCHRF Research Week Plenary Presentation
Forensic Odontology for Casework: Global and Local Perspectives
Join the Board and partners of the Northern Community Health and Research Foundation at the Plenary Presentation for our inaugural NCHRF Research Week.
This event features our 2026 Visiting Professor's Address, in which Professor Emilio Nuzzolese of the University of Turin will share insights from his work as an internationally-recognised academic clinician in the field of forensic odontology casework for victim identification.
The Visiting Professor's Address will be followed by a panel discussion led by Professor Nuzzolese and Dr John Berketa, Forensic Odontologist, Researcher and Scene Team Leader, Forensic Odontology Unit, Adelaide University. This session will provide attendees with a greater understanding of South Australian forensic odontologic practice, including how artificial intelligence is supporting this vital work.
Along with the focus on our 2026 research topic of forensic odontology, the Northern Community Health & Research Foundation will present an overview of recent work of the Foundation and announce the winner of the 2026 Derek Frewin Early Career Researcher Award for 2026.
Who is this event for?
Medical, dental and health researchers, students and practitioners
Emergency services and criminology professionals, practitioners, researchers and students
Government agencies and local government representatives
Others interested in forensics
Program
Our Foundation, Our Impact
Nino Di Sisto, Chair Northern Community Health and Research Foundation
Announcement of the Derek Frewin Early Career Research Award winner for 2026
Presented by Emeritus Professor Derek Frewin AO and Professor Gregory Crawford AM.
2026 Visiting Professor’s Address: Forensic Odontology Casework
Prof. Dr. Emilio Nuzzolese, Researcher, Forensic Odontologist & Professor of Legal Medicine, University of Turin
NCHRF 2026 Visiting Professor, Professor Emilio Nuzzolese, will present on the latest research insights in forensic odontology casework for victim identification in emergency and disaster settings such as for asylum seekers, terrorist events and bushfires.
South Australian Forensic Odontology: Panel discussion and Q&A
Professor Nuzzolese and Dr John Berketa, Forensic Odontologist, Researcher and Scene Team Leader, Forensic Odontology Unit, Adelaide University.
Professor Nuzzolese and Dr Berketa will lead a panel discussion and Q&A session drawing on Professor Nuzzolese's presentation. This discussion will examine impacts and opportunities for the field of forensic odontology in South Australia, including application of innovations such as AI capabilities.
Refreshments will be served on arrival.
Note: Program may be subject to change
Presenters
Professor Emilio Nuzzolese
2026 NCHRF Visiting Professor Researcher, Forensic Odontologist & Professor of Legal Medicine, University of Turin Professor Nuzzolesse is responsible for the Human Identification and Forensic Odontology Research Laboratory at the University of Turin, which provides forensic odontology services on a pro bono basis, both onsite and remotely. Professor Nuzzolese is the co-founder of Solidarity Dentistry for Infants and Handicapped (SOPHI) and founder and President of the Association for Forensic Odontology and Human Rights (AFOHR).
Dr John Berketa
Forensic Odontologist, Researcher and Scene Team Leader, Forensic Odontology Unit, Adelaide University John Berketa is a senior forensic odontologist specialist and at University of Adelaide has conducted intensive research into maximizing post-mortem information of severely incinerated victims. He has attended many fire disaster scenes and is known as a global authority in the application of stabilisation of incinerated dental remains. He is also a postgraduate supervisor at the James Cook University and has been an invited educator to other overseas universities. He is on the scientific committee of International Organisation of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology (IOFOS) and a peer reviewer of over a dozen forensic journals. He has been recognised with various awards, and regularly advises and presents to both national and international organisations including INTERPOL.
Mr Nino Di Sisto
Chair, Northern Community Health & Research Foundation Nino has over 45 years’ experience in the aged, disability and health care sectors in rural and metropolitan South Australia. Nino holds undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in accounting, health and management, including a Master of Health Service Management. He is a Fellow of the Australian College of Health Service Management and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Professor Gregory Crawford AM
Grants Committee Chair, Northern Community Health & Research Foundation Greg is Professor and Domain Lead for Professionalism and Leadership at the School of Medicine, College of Health, Adelaide University. He has spent the majority of his clinical work in specialist palliative medicine, most recently working in Northern Adelaide Local Health Network. Greg is a passionate teacher and researcher. He is a Fellow and former President of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (RACP) and is a lifetime Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and of the College of Physicians (RACP). He was awarded the most prestigious medal of RACP, the John Sands medal, in 2021. Greg was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) in January 2022 for significant service to palliative care, and to tertiary education. Greg is a member of the Governing Board of Yorke & Northern Local Health Network and Resthaven Board Clinical Governance Committee. He is the immediate past Chairman of Palliative Care SA and past President of the Palliative Care Study Group in the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer.
Dr Sher-Lin Chiam
Dr Sher-Lin Chiam is a senior forensic odontologist at the Adelaide University. She has professional experience across multiple Australian states, including New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia. Additionally, Sher-Lin has experience in Disaster Victim Identification, and is a member of the Medical Sciences Scientific Advisory Group (ANZPAA-NIFS). Her research interests focus on the cognitive aspects of forensic odontology practice, specifically on decision-making and the formation of opinion.
Emeritus Professor Derek Frewin AO
Professor Frewin was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2003 for his service to the advancement of medical education, his research in the field of hypertension and his service to the community, which included a focus on aged care and drug addiction. Prior to retirement, Professor Frewin was at the forefront of medical and community education for almost 60 years. The Northern Community Health & Research Foundation's Derek Frewin Early Career Researcher Award was established in his name in recognition of his unfailing dedication to mentoring and inspiring students throughout his career.
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