CSI War Zone: The Secret World of Battlefield Forensics

Talks on Tuesdays: Real lectures in your favourite venues. 45-mins + Q&A with Dr Lauren Wilson

Talks on Tuesdays is a live event series bringing big ideas, real experts, and curious minds together - at your favourite local venues. Think thought-provoking lectures, audience questions, and post-talk mingling over drinks and dinner.

This isn’t a uni lecture. It’s a social, intelligent night out.Come alone or with friends, leave with something to talk about.

Event Schedule:

6.30pm Arrival & Doors Open

7pm Lecture Starts

7.45pm Q&A

8pm Talk Concludes

8.30pm Event Closes.

*Please arrive close to 6.30pm

A La Carte menu and full bar available throughout the night - pay as you go.

Your Topic:
CSI War Zone – The Secret World of Battlefield Forensics

We have all seen forensic science used by law enforcement to solve crimes, whether in real life or on TV shows like CSI and NCIS. But have you ever wondered what happens when forensic science is used beyond the crime scene and into a war zone?

Dr Lauren Wilson will take you behind the scenes of the secret world of battlefield forensics. She will discuss the evolution of forensic labs deployed on the battlefield from the Iraq conflict and the Combined Explosive Exploitation Cell (CEXC, pronounced Sexy) to the evolving threat in modern conflicts. The talk will also cover the challenges of collecting forensic evidence in an active war zone with limited time and prosecuting perpetrators.

You will hear about the fascinating case study of the investigation into the murder of Sergeant First Class Randy Johnson of the United States 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. The investigation took seven years, spanned three countries, and required cooperation between the US and the United Kingdom to secure a prosecution.

Bring your curiosity and questions. Lauren is happy to answer them, as long as the answer isn’t classified.

Your Speaker:

Dr Lauren Wilson

Dr Lauren Wilson is a forensic scientist specialising in battlefield forensics. Lauren has worked at the AFP, INTERPOL, the Department of Defence, and the FBI. She has also undertaken a diplomatic posting to the Australian Embassy, Washington DC. Prior to transitioning into forensic science, Lauren worked in medical research. Her first PhD was on the SARS-Coronavirus (the pandemic before COVID). Lauren also has a PhD in Military Forensics.

Most recently, Lauren co-authored the DNA review of the Queensland Forensic Science Laboratory following inquiries prompted by the hit podcast "Shandee’s Story", which generated major mainstream media attention in news outlets such as the ABC and The Australian in 2025.

Lauren lives in Sydney with her cavoodle, Woodley.