Linzi Marianne Wilson-Wilde is an Australian forensic scientist. In February 2021, she took up the position of Director of Forensic Science SA.[1] She was formerly the director of the National Institute of Forensic Science, working for that organisation for 12 years.[2] [1]
Wilson-Wilde has worked as a DNA specialist with various Australian police agencies throughout her career including Victoria Police, New South Wales Police Force and the Australian Federal Police.[2]
In the aftermath of the 2002 Bali bombings, Wilson-Wilde coordinated the DNA analysis for body identification and the criminal investigation for Operation Alliance.[2] Wilson-Wilde's DNA analysis is credited with playing a pivotal role in tracking down a bombing suspect.[3]
She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2003 for her services with the police during Operation Alliance.[4]
Wilson-Wilde was also involved in the controversial mass-DNA screening of men in the New South Wales town of Wee Waa in 2000, in an attempt to track down a man who had bashed and raped an elderly woman.[2] [5] [6]
In 2011, Wilson-Wilde received a PhD from the University of Canberra after writing her doctoral thesis, Species Identification in Wildlife Crime Investigations using Diprotodontia.[7] [8]
Wilson-Wilde was added to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2014.[9]
In the past, Wilson-Wilde has voiced concerns about forensic television dramas such as CSI, accusing the producers of exaggerating the work forensic scientists undertake.[9] Wilson-Wilde discussed the CSI effect in a radio interview in 2016.[10]