partners
our partners.
Forensic Human Identification Co. is partnering with world-leading forensic laboratories, practitioners, researchers and companies, both in Australia and internationally, to develop and deploy innovative human identification (HID) services for routine and complex cases that serve a diverse range of stakeholder needs.
ancient DNA lab.
We have partnered with the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD) at Adelaide University to provide advanced forensic genomics technologies for forensic HID applications that are accessible and adaptable for all our clients. Through this collaboration, we leverage ACAD’s internationally recognised ancient DNA laboratory and expertise to extract and analyse DNA from compromised (e.g. hair or nail) and skeletonised (e.g. bone or teeth) human remains, as well as reference DNA samples, within Australia.
By combining ancient DNA analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) testing, whole genome sequencing and custom bioinformatics tools, we can perform SNP profile comparisons, extended kinship analysis and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) for cases involving challenging (e.g. aged or degraded) samples or distant (e.g. beyond first-degree) relatives. We can also estimate biological sex, biogeographical ancestry, physical traits (e.g. hair and eye colour) and maternal and paternal lineage to refine missing person candidate lists or reveal new avenues of inquiry.
genetic genealogy.
We have partnered with Louise Coakley of Independent Investigative Genetic Genealogy Australia to uniquely offer an end-to-end FIGG service for a range of forensic HID contexts, including historical, military, humanitarian, Indigenous and law enforcement (cold and active) cases.
Louise is an Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogist (AIGG) with expertise in applying FIGG to generate investigative leads for human remains identification. As one of the country’s leading FIGG practitioners, she has assisted the Queensland Police Service to identify the biological family of ‘Poona Paul ‘and worked with the National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing persons to identify the remains of William Hardie and Tanya Glover, among others.
By combining our advanced sequencing technologies with Louise’s decades of genealogical research experience, we can provide an accessible Australian FIGG capability that generates actionable intelligence, focuses investigative efforts, conserves operational resources and maximises social impact.
Together, we support diverse clients in resolving challenging unknown decedent cases, understanding complex biological relationships and rectifying historical institutional practices. Beyond traditional forensic contexts, we also use our genetic genealogy tools for broader kinship applications, including reuniting survivors of institutional care, modern slavery and humanitarian crises with lost biological relatives.
Indigenous remains.
We have partnered with the Snow Molecular Anthropology Lab (SMAL) at the University of Montana to foster innovative DNA technologies and community-centred approaches to help address the global crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples. Led by Professor Meradeth Snow, the SMAL is pioneering ethically and culturally grounded forensic genomics tools to analyse aged and degraded remains of Native American and African American origin.
They are currently collaborating with Okhomi Forensics to identify remains of Blackfeet Tribal members in Montana and the Principal Research Group to identify the Sugar Land 95 in Texas.
Through knowledge exchange, joint research, method development and community consultation, our transnational collaboration is shaping scientifically and culturally appropriate strategies for the genetic identification of historically marginalised individuals across the United States and Australia.
We share a focus on optimising minimally destructive methods, targeted SNP genotyping, extended kinship analysis, robust consent processes, dedicated DNA databases and inclusive stakeholder engagement to limit sample destruction, maintain genetic privacy, uphold Indigenous Data Sovereignty, build public trust and protect human rights.
By combining our expertise and resources, this partnership enhances the scientific integrity and cultural sensitivity of our HID efforts, expands access to DNA identification services for under-resourced organisations and under-represented families and supports truth-telling and healing for survivors and communities affected by colonial, institutional and racial injustices.
missing persons charity.
We have partnered with Locate International, a UK-registered charity that exists to bring hope and answers to families, communities and the police searching for missing people. Following a landmark data-sharing agreement with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Locate is now the only charity in the UK supporting police investigations in this way. Its casework is delivered by specialist volunteers, who combine rigorous investigation with public appeals and collaboration with law enforcement, coroners, industry and charities to progress both recent and long-term missing persons and unidentified human remains cases.
Working together strengthens both organisations’ ability to resolve cases where geographic or genetic links extend beyond borders, while also providing a blueprint for establishing a similar collaborative model in Australia. By combining Locate’s volunteer network, database infrastructure and analytical expertise with our multidisciplinary forensic human identification and FIGG capabilities, we can support more families seeking answers, assist more agencies investigating these cases and give more missing and unidentified people the dedicated attention their cases deserve.