Level 1, 283 Queen Street, Melbourne
PO Box 13075, Law Courts Post Office  VIC  8010  Australia
Telephone:  +61 3 9640-0707
   Fax:   +61 3 9640-0709
Email:  info@nifs.com.au

In fact, the National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) was established, as a National Common Police Service, under an Agreement signed by the Australasian Police Ministers' Council in 1991.  NIFS commenced operations in February 1992.  It is located in Melbourne, Victoria.

Under the Agreement, the Institute consists of a Board of Control, a Directorate and a Panel of Advisers. 

The Institute reports to the Australasian Police Ministers’ Council through the Senior Officers’ Group and a Board of Control. The Board comprises three Commissioners of Police, three Forensic Laboratory Directors and the Chairman, Prof the Hon John H Phillips.

The Directorate of the Institute is assisted by a Panel of Advisers comprising scientists, police and legal and medical practitioners.

The role of the Institute is defined by the functions as determined in the enabling Agreement.

• Sponsor and support research in forensic science;
• Advise on and assist with the development and co-ordination of forensic science services;
• Gather and exchange forensic information;
• Support, co-ordinate and conduct training programs in forensic science; and
• Conduct relevant quality assurance programs.

An additional two functions complete the scope of current and future activities:

• Raising the profile of forensic science; and
• Constructive and accountable resource management.

In carrying out its core functions, NIFS will further develop and maintain sound working relationships with education providers and the international forensic science community. This is a key factor in the Australian forensic community achieving international best practice.

Note: NIFS is not a teaching institute and is not directly involved in teaching courses in forensic science.  Nor is it a forensic laboratory or provider and offers no forensic tests or appraisals.