Dr. Evi Untoro is a highly esteemed forensic pathologist and medico-legal consultant known for her contributions to forensic medicine both in Indonesia and on the global stage. As the Head of the Department of Forensic Medico-Legal & Sciences at Trisakti University, Indonesia, Dr. Untoro has been involved in mentoring the next generation of forensic professionals and promoting advancements in forensic medicine practices.
She has been awarded the Forensic Excellence Award at the 15th IASR International Conference on Forensic Science for her dedication to the field, the crucial role she plays in shaping forensic education and research, and enhancing the importance of forensic science in the medico-legal community.
Extensive Expertise in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)
Since 2016, Dr. Untoro has been a member of the Indonesian National Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Team since 2007, and the Banten Province DVI Team. These teams are responsible for identifying victims of large-scale natural and man-made disasters, ensuring that families receive closure in times of crisis. She holds expertise in disaster victim identification that proves crucial in responding to many disaster situations across Indonesia, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and accidents.
She has undergone joint international training in DVI procedures, following the INTERPOL DVI Guide, a global standard for victim identification. Her experience has positioned her as an expert in handling mass casualties incidents, further enhancing her leadership in forensic operations.
International Forensic Collaborations
During her career, Dr. Untoro has made several international collaborations. Between 2005 and 2010, she was part of a special mission to identify the remains of Japanese soldiers from World War II. This project was conducted in Papua and Makassar, Indonesia, was sponsored by the Japanese Government and Japanese Embassy, and aimed at identifying soldiers who had been classified as Missing in Action (MIA). Her involvement in this distinctive and complex task highlighted her forensic expertise on a global scale, thereby making meaningful contributions to the reconciliation efforts and the preservation of historical records.
Research Contributions and Publications
An influential researcher, she has authored numerous articles, publications, and books in the field of forensic medicine. Her research on the Allele Frequency of CODIS 13 for the Indonesian DNA Database was published in Elsevier in 2009 and proved to be a historic study. This research proved extremely helpful in expanding the forensic DNA database of Indonesia, which is used for identification in criminal investigations and disaster response.
Her work has gained widespread recognition not only in Indonesia but also across Asia, where her expertise in forensic DNA databases has played a crucial role in shaping forensic practices. Her in-depth focus on forensic pathology and DNA analysis has solidified her status as a leading academic and researcher in forensic sciences. She constantly provides valuable insights into the development and application of forensic DNA technologies that lead to advancements in the field and eventually help in improving the accuracy of medico-legal investigations throughout the region.
Forensic Casework and Medico-Legal Expertise
Apart from the academic and research work experience, Dr. Untoro has practical experience in forensic work in which she has been involved in handling numerous forensic cases. She has appeared as an expert witness in many different cases in Asia and the Pacific, and the testimony she provides has proved valuable at court proceedings. She has become one of the most trusted forensic persons in the region, especially because of her keen and precise approach to forensic examination. Her experience in several private and government hospitals located in Indonesia also reflects her practical experience, wherein she is still actively coming up with consultation for difficult forensic cases in clinical pathology and medico legal matters.
Commitment to Education and Training
As a dedicated educator, Dr. Untoro actively engages in training the next generation of forensic professionals. She has been leading the Department of Forensic MedicoLegal & Sciences at Trisakti University Indonesia in areas of workshop arrangement, lecture, and training in forensic pathology. She also serves on the Advisory Team in Forensic Pathology that seeks to define and advance forensic science programs in order to train prospective forensic experts with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills.
Dr. Ranjeet Singh, along with IASR, Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science, Clue4Evidence Forensic Lab, and the entire organizing committee, acknowledges Dr. Evi Untoro for leaving a lasting mark on the field of forensic science, especially through her leadership roles in disaster victim identification, groundbreaking research in forensic DNA, and her contributions as an educator and medico-legal expert. We wish she, with her expertise, continues to shape the future of forensic science in Indonesia and across the globe.