You may have read in previous Academy newsletters or noted media reports about the work of Academy Fellows and their scientific discoveries in informing the deliberations of the Second Inquiry into the Convictions of Kathleen Folbigg.
In 2019, the Academy first came to know of this case because of the scientific work and efforts of Professor Carola Vinuesa FAA FRS. The Academy was subsequently formally appointed to assist the inquiry as an independent scientific adviser. It is believed to be one of the first times worldwide that a learned academy has acted in such a role.
This week, I together with past-and-present Presidents of the Academy, Professors John Shine AC and Chennupati Jagadish AC, learned that counsel assisting the inquiry submitted that there is reasonable doubt as to Ms Kathleen Folbigg’s guilt. In other words, there is a natural cause of death for all four of her children. Science had been heard.
Whilst scientific evidence is routinely delivered to the justice system – often in an adversarial setting – this inquiry demonstrated the value and benefit of the independent selection of experts and the identification of the issues the experts should address. As a result, the Commissioner and all those assisting him were able to comprehensively consider and interrogate complex and emerging science.
The Director of Public Prosecutions “endorsed the importance of ensuring that new evidence to be received from the inquiry is obtained from independent and reliable sources … in particular the engagement by the inquiry of the eminent and world leading expert scientific witnesses called to give evidence for the first time on the centrally important doubt or question concerning the CALM2 G114R genetic variant …”.
I am immensely proud of the Academy’s role assisting this inquiry and demonstrating new ways in which the science and justice systems can work together to create a more scientifically sensitive and informed justice system.
This inquiry has also exposed the absence of a review body in Australia’s jurisdictions to enable new scientific evidence to be heard after appeals have been exhausted.
The Academy will continue to work to have science heard wherever decisions are made, including in the justice system.
In other news this month, discussions have continued gathering evidence on the future of the Great Barrier Reef, with the Academy hosting the second of three roundtables. Expert contributions and deliberations will inform a synthesis report to support the Reef 2050 Independent Expert Panel’s advice to government.
This meeting of 31 experts focused on interventions and technologies that could sustain or improve the health of the Reef under low and high emission scenarios.
The Academy also welcomed the Australian Government’s review of the Australian Research Council Act (2001), including the recommendation to commit to supporting fundamental research as part of the ARC’s core purpose.
Finally, a reminder that nominations for the Academy’s honorific awards close this coming Monday 1 May!
Enjoy reading more in the April newsletter.
Anna-Maria
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
