Shari Forbes

Professor Shari L. Forbes (born 15 October, 1977) is an Australian and Canadian forensic scientist and researcher. She is a thanatology expert on the decomposition of human bodies. She created a body farm in Australia and is now (2020) establishing a similar facility in Canada.

Life[]

Forbes was born in 1977^[1] in Brewarrina. Her family were graziers where the death of animals was routine. She completed her schooling at Hornsby Girls' High School in Sydney.^[2] Her first degree was in Applied Chemistry and Forensic Science and she went on to a science based doctorate.^[3]

In 2005 she was involved in developing a forensic science course at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. In 2011 she left to take up work in Australia.^[4] She became a Professor at the University of Sydney.^[3]

Up to 2018 she was involved in creating the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (Australia's first body farm).^[4] Where she was involved with research into decomposing bodies.^[5] A body farm is a research facility where decomposition can be studied in a variety of settings. The first one was created by William M. Bass in 1971 at the University of Tennessee to study the decomposition of a human corpse from the time of death to the time of decay.^[6][7]

In 2018 she became the Canada 150 research chair in thanatology. Her seven-year research programme will have $350,000 dollars per year and the university will meet the cost ( $350,000) of^[4] Canada's first Body Farm. The nearest similar facility was one at Northern Michigan University, but Forbes was specifically targeting a forest based site.^[4] The new "body farm" is at Bécancour and its correct name is the "Secure Site for Research in Thanatology."^[8]

Forbes is a fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales.^[9]

References[]