Roger Byard

Emeritus Professor Roger Byard

Emeritus Professor

School of Biomedicine

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Professor Roger Byard AO PSM PhD, MD, DSc, FAHMS, (BMedSci, MB, BS, MMedSci-paed, FCAP, FRCPC, FRCPath, FRCPA, FFFLM, FFSc, FRSN, FFPMI) held the George Richard Marks Chair of Pathology at The University of Adelaide from 2006 to 2023. He is now an Emeritus Professor and a Senior Specialist Forensic Pathologist at Forensic Science SA in Adelaide, Australia. He qualified in medicine in Australia in 1978 (University of Tasmania) and became a licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada in 1982 (LMCC). He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of the United Kingdom, a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists, a Fellow of the National Association of Medical Examiners in the United States, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales and a Fellow of the Faculty of Postmortem Imaging of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. He is a Foundation Fellow of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom, a Foundation Fellow of the Faculty of Science of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, and an Honorary Member of the College of Forensic and Legal Medicine of Sri Lanka. He was registered as an Expert with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague in 2009. In addition to his undergraduate medical degrees he has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Doctor of Science (DSc).

  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2023 - ongoing Emeritus Professor of Pathology The University of Adelaide
    2017 - ongoing Visiting Professor University of Belgrade
    2013 - 2019 Professorial Fellow The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne
    2006 - 2023 Marks Chair of Pathology The University of Adelaide
    2006 - ongoing Senior Specialist Forensic Pathologist Forensic Science SA
    2006 - ongoing Senior Specialist Forensic Pathologist Forensic Science SA
    2004 - 2006 Chief Forensic Pathologist Forensic Sciences SA
    2001 - 2006 Clinical Professor University of Adelaide
    1999 - 2010 Honorary Consultant Paediatric Forensic Pathologist Women's & Children's Hospital
    1999 - 2004 Specialist Forensic Pathologist Forensic Science SA
    1996 - 2001 Clinical Associate Professor University of Adelaide
    1995 - 1999 Visiting Consulting Pathologist Forensic Science Centre
    1993 - 1995 Clinical Senior Lecturer University of Adelaide
    1991 - 1995 Clinical Senior Lecturer University of Adelaide
    1989 - 1999 Senior Consultant Histopathologist Adelaide Children's Hospital/ Women's & Children's Hospital
    1988 - 1989 Clinical Research Fellow University of Adelaide
    1984 - 1988 Resident University of Ottawa
    1981 - 1982 Resident McMaster University

  • Awards and Achievements
    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2016 Award Distinguished Alumni Award University of Tasmania Australia -
    2015 Award Best Case Study National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2014 Award Best Literature Review National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2014 Award Best Case Study National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2013 Award Research Award Forensic Science SA Australia -
    2013 Award Best Case Study National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2013 Award Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) - Australia -
    2013 Award Distinguished Alumni Award The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2012 Award The John Emery Memorial Lecture Medal The Paediatric Pathology Society United Kingdom -
    2011 Award Best Chapter in a Book National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2010 Award Best Case Study National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2010 Award South Australian of the Year Awards South Australian Government Australia -
    2009 Award Best Case Study National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2008 Award Award for Best Literature Review National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2008 Award Best Case Study National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2008 Award Operations Medal, Alliance and Cawdor clasps Australian Federal Police (AFP) Australia -
    2007 Award The Alice Davey Award for SIDS Research University of Adelaide Australia -
    2006 Award Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (HOSM) - Australia -
    2006 Recognition Best Oral Presentation in the Field of Forensic Medicine 18th International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences, Australia New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) Australia -
    2006 Recognition Certificate of Appreciation Keio University Japan -
    2006 Award The Society of Authors and the Royal Society of Medicine Book Awards The Minty Prize of the Medicolegal Society United Kingdom -
    2004 Award Bali Medal Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Australia -
    2004 Award Public Service Medal (PSM) - Australia -
    2004 Award Best Chapters National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2003 Award Best Literature Review National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2002 Recognition Certificate of Appreciation Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health Japan -
    2001 Award Annual Award for Best Chapter in a Book for 2000/2001 National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) Australia -
    2000 Award SIDS Global Strategy Task Force Award SIDS International - -
    1999 Award The Alice Davey Award for SIDS Research University of Adelaide Australia -
    1998 Award Professional Excellence Award Women's and Children's Hospital Australia -
    1996 Award Red Nose Day Ambassador for South Australia SIDS Association of South Australia Australia -
    1996 Award Public Relations Industry of Australia Award - Australia -
    1996 Award Community Communication Award Society of Business Communication Australia -
    1996 Award Living Health "Excellence in Health Promotion" Award Safe Eating for Young Children Australia -

  • Language Competencies
    Language Competency
    English Can read, write, speak and peer review

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    2020 The University of Tasmania Australia DSc
    2018 The University of South Australia Australia PhD
    1975 University of Tasmania, Hobart (UTAS) Australia BMedSci
    University of Tasmania, Hobart (UTAS) Australia MB
    University of Tasmania, Hobart (UTAS) Australia BS
    The University of Adelaide Australia MMedSci
    The University of Adelaide Australia MD

  • Postgraduate Training
    Date Title Institution Country
    1981 Resident and District Medical Officer Nhulunbuy District Hospital Australia
    1981 - 1982 Resident II (Family Medicine) Certificate of Completion of Training in Family Medicine McMaster University Medical Centre Canada
    1979 - 1980 Intern and Senior Resident Royal Hobart Hospital Australia

  • Certifications
    Date Title Institution name Country
    — CCFP Canadian College of Family Physicians -
    — LMCC Medical Council of Canada -
    — FCAP College of American Pathologists -
    — FRCPC College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada -
    — FRCPath Royal College of Pathologists -
    — FRCPA (hon) Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia -
    — FFSc Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia -
    — FFFLM Royal College of Physicians United Kingdom
    — Fellow (FAHMS) Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences -

  • Research Interests
    Legal & Forensic Medicine Pathology Pediatrics Child and Adolescent Health

Principal Investigator 

Date Project/ No. Investigators Funding Body Amount
2014-2015

Neurotransmitters and SIDS

 Byard RW, Duncan J, Vink R, Kinney H Rivers Gift Foundation $47,500
2014-2017

Development of ‘omics-based’ approaches to investigate labelling accuracy and legality of herbal medicine in Australia

 Bunce M, Haile J, Maker G, Bellgard M, Musgrave I, Gilbert M, Byard RW National Health and Medical Research Council #1061329 $479,079
2013-14

Characterising the role of serotonin and substance P in the control of respiratory drive in sudden infant death syndrome

 Byard RW, Bright F, Duncan J, Vink R Rivers Gift Foundation $47,300
2010-12

Shaken baby syndrome: characterization of a model and evaluation of novel pharmacological therapies.

 Vink R, Blumbergs P, Finnie J, Anderson R, Byard RW National Health and Medical Research Council #627198 $405,686
2010 Comparison of post-mortem injuries with ballistics analyses. Maiden N, Byard RW Australia-Israel Scientific Exchange Foundation Postgraduate Fellowship (AISEF) $5,000
2008-9 Marine debris threat abatement in the Gulf of St Vincent. Kemper C, Byard RW, Edyvane K, Dalgetty A, Coughran D Caring for our Country $85,000
2007-8 β-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) staining and sudden infant death syndrome. Byard RW, Blumbergs P, Banner Sudden Infant Death Research Foundation of South Australia $118,000
1997-99 Roles of TGF-a in pathophysiology and ulcer healing in inflammatory bowel disease. Read LC, Xian CJ, Moore DJ, Byard RW National Health and Medical Research Council $207,188
1996-97 Fetal vesicoureteric reflux : the development of a fetal pig model. Dewan P, Byard RW, Martin A, Moroney S The Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation of South Australia Inc. $20,000

 Associate Investigator

Date Project/ No. Investigators Funding Body Amount
1995-1996 Autoaugmentation peritoneocystoplasty. Dewan PA (Byard RW, Ashwood P, Close C, Mitchell M) Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation of SA $12,280
1995 Effects of IGF-1 on DSS-induced colonic carcinoma in rats. Read L, Howarth G, (Byard RW, Xian C) Anti-Cancer Foundation of the Universities of South Australia $14,000
1994-1995 Involvement of neurochemically defined classes of nerves in primary vesicoureteric reflux in children. Smet PJ, Dewan PA, (Marshall V, Edyvane K, Byard RW) Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation of South Australia $27,768
1992-1993 Expression of cytokine receptors by solid tumours. Zola H, Skinner J, (Byard RW, Beroukas D) Anti-Cancer Foundation of the Universities of South Australia $43,700

 Industry Grants

Springer Publishers, 2011-2015: $88,500

Date Course Title Institution
2006-present Lectures in pathology/forensic pathology University of Adelaide
2006-present Fatal Child Abuse Unit, Masters of Forensic Medicine program Monash University
1999 - 2009 Autopsy demonstrations for police officers, including cadets, detectives and officers engaged in the homicide training course Forensic Science Centre
1999 - present  Mortuary demonstrations for medical students from the University of Adelaide and Flinders University Forensic Science Centre
1999 Lecturer in Paediatric Critical Care Nursing programme Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide
1999 Consultant to Graduate Diploma in Forensic Medicine Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University
1999 Lecturer in Paediatric Nursing Studies programme Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide
1999 Lecturer in Forensic and Analytical Chemistry programme Flinders University, Adelaide
1998-1999 Lecturer in Paediatric and Forensic Pathology 2nd year Health Sciences Students University of Adelaide
1997-1999 Lecturer in Paediatrics/Pathology 2nd year Medical Students Flinders University, Adelaide
1997-2003 Lecturer in SAPOL Child and Family Investigators Training Seminar Police Headquarters/College of Advanced Education, Adelaide
1996-2005 Lecturer in Diploma of Child Health Course Department of Paediatrics, University of Adelaide
1991-2006 Lecturer in Paediatrics/Pathology, 3-6th Year Medical Students The University of Adelaide
1989-1999 Medical student/registrar/nursing staff autopsy demonstrations, biopsy conferences and museum lectures  Department of Histopathology, Adelaide Children's Hospital and University of Adelaide
1988-1989 Medical student/resident workshops, rounds and examinations  Departments of Pathology, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Canada
1984-1988 Medical student/resident workshops, lectures and journal clubs  Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ottawa General Hospital, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and University of Ottawa, Canada
1983-1984 Medical student/resident ward rounds and lectures  Department of Medicine, Repatriation General Hospital, University of Tasmania, Hobart
1981-1982 Resident tutorials and lectures  Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
1979-1980 Medical student/resident ward rounds and lectures  Department of Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital and Repatriation General Hospital, University of Tasmania

Other Pathology Teaching Experience 

Date Course Title Institution
2006-2010 Autopsy examiner, Adelaide, Australia Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)
2004-2006 Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) Supervisor – Forensic pathology registrar, (Dr K Riches)  Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, Australia
1999-present Rotating Pathology Registrars, Royal Australasian College of Pathologists Forensic Science Centre, Adelaide, Australia.
1993-1999 Department of Histopathology, Research/Educational Rounds, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
1989-1999 Registrars in paediatric pathology and surgery Royal Australasian College of Pathologists and Royal Australian College of Surgeons - Department of Histopathology, Adelaide Children's Hospital/Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
1988-1989 Residents in Anatomical Pathology Training Program Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; Department of Pathology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2022 - 2023 Co-Supervisor The significance of OATP and CYP450 in statin-flavonoid interactions Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Full Time Mr Joshua Paul Zechner
    2020 - 2024 Co-Supervisor A retrospective analysis of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical substance-related coronial deaths in South Australia over 20 years Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Lilli Grace Stephenson
    2018 - 2022 Co-Supervisor An Assessment of the Factors Associated with Fatal Outcomes for Motor Vehicle Occupants in South Australia (1981-2020) Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Siobhan O'Donovan
    2017 - 2022 Co-Supervisor Implications for toxicity in herbal polypharmacy: the role of herb-herb interactions and cytotoxic development in at-risk organ models Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Susan Marie Britza
    2016 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Herbal Medicine Toxicity, the Role of Adulterants, Contaminants and Pharmokinetic Interactions Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Rachael Louise Farrington
    2013 - 2017 Principal Supervisor A Clarification of the Aetiology and Pathogenesis of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Vacuolization in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Chong Zhou
    2013 - 2017 Principal Supervisor Expression of Substance P and the Tachykinin NK1 Receptor in the Medullary Serotonergic Network of the Human Infant during Development: Implications for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Fiona Maree Bright
    2013 - 2020 Co-Supervisor Herbal Medicine use in the Australian Population: Adulteration, Contamination and Adverse Drug Reactions Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mrs Claire Louise Hoban
    2012 - 2015 Co-Supervisor Suicide in South Australia: specific features, trends and reasons for disparities in numbers Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Amy Austin
    2008 - 2014 Co-Supervisor The assessment of bullet wound trauma dynamics and the potential role of anatomical models. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mr Nicholas Russell Maiden

  • Board Memberships
    Date Role Board name Institution name Country
    2010 - 2014 Member Scientific Advisory Board Australian Marine Wildlife Research and Rescue Organisation Australia
    2004 - 2012 Member Kidsafe SA Inc - Australia

  • Committee Memberships
    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2013 - ongoing Member Animals Australia’s Guardian Circle - Australia
    2012 - ongoing Member UTAS Foundation University of Tasmania Australia
    2011 - ongoing Member Tissue and Organ Donation Steering Committee Department of Health, South Australia Australia
    2010 - ongoing Member South Australian Golden Retriever Club - Australia
    2008 - ongoing Member National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) - United States
    2006 - ongoing Member Pandemic Influenza Deceased and Mortuary Working Group Department of Health South Australia Australia
    2005 - 2014 Member Child Death and Serious Injury Review Committee (CDSIRC) - Australia
    2005 - 2011 Member Australasian Coroner’s Society - Australia
    2004 - 2015 Member Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Committee - Australia
    2004 - 2008 Member Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences - Australia
    2004 - 2007 Member National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) - United States
    2004 - ongoing Member The International Society for the Study and Prevention of Infant Death (ISPID) - -
    2004 - 2005 Member Coroners Act Implementation Steering Committee - Australia
    2004 - 2005 Member Coroners Act Implementation Steering Committee - Australia
    2004 - ongoing Member Paediatric Mortality Committee Women's and Children's Hospital Australia
    2004 - ongoing Member Sponsor State Opera Company of South Australia Ring Cycle - Australia
    2004 - ongoing Member Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society - Australia
    2002 - 2004 Member The European Society for the Study and Prevention of Infant Death (ESPID) - -
    2001 - ongoing Member Legal Medicine The IndoPacific Association -
    2000 - ongoing Member Car Safety for Children” Program Committee Kidsafe SA Australia
    1999 - ongoing Member Acute Paediatric Accident/Illness Advisory Team Women's and Children's Hospital Australia
    1998 - 2005 Member The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society - Australia
    1998 - 1999 Member Trauma Committee Death Audit Group Women's and Children's Hospital Australia
    1997 - 2003 Member Kidsafe/Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia (SA branch) - Australia
    1997 - 1999 Member Clinical Research Fellowship Selection Panel Women's and Children's Hospital Australia
    1997 - ongoing Member "Hot Water Burns Like Fire and Scalds Prevention” Program Committee Women's and Children's Hospital Australia
    1996 - ongoing Member "Safe Sleeping for the Under 2’s" Program Committee Women's and Children's Hospital Australia
    1996 - ongoing Member “Child Safety on Farms” Program Committee WorkSafe SA Australia
    1996 - 2004 Member International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention - Australia
    1995 - 2011 Member Post Neonatal Mortality Subcommittee South Australia Australia
    1995 - ongoing Member "Safe Eating for the Under 2’s” Program Committee Women's and Children's Hospital Australia
    1995 - ongoing Member Royal Zoological Society of South Australia - Australia
    1993 - ongoing Member Medical Alumni University of Tasmania Australia
    1993 - ongoing Member Medical Alumni The University of Adelaide Australia
    1991 - ongoing Member South Australian Museum/ANZES Simpson Desert expedition - Australia
    1989 - 1999 Member Paediatric Mortality Committee Adelaide Children's Hospital/Women's and Children's Hospital Australia
    1986 - 1988 Member Anatomical Pathology Training Committee University of Ottawa Canada
    1985 - ongoing Member General Pathology Training Committee University of Ottawa Canada
    1976 - ongoing Member Tasmanian Museum Archeological Survey - Australia
  • Position: Emeritus Professor
  • Phone: 83134274
  • Email: roger.byard@adelaide.edu.au
  • Fax: 83135384
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Helen Mayo North, floor 2
  • Org Unit: Medical Sciences
Connect With Me
External Profiles