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Neil Morris

Neil Morris’s Tertiary Studies achievements and qualifications includes;

ICRC African School of Humanitarian Forensic Action, 2016

Master’s in Medical Science and Criminalistics (Cum Laude) – University of Pretoria, 2011

Thesis: “HIV in South African forensic medical practice”

Post Graduate Diploma in Humanitarian Policy and Practice – University of the Witwatersrand, 2011

BSc Honours in Medical Criminalistics (Cum Laude) – University of Pretoria, 2009

BSc Human life Sciences – Stellenbosch University 2006 – 2008

Neil’s professional journey is unique given the often poorly recognized importance of forensic sciences. Today, South Africa is recognised as a centre of expertise for forensic science and practice and it is thanks to the contribution of people like Neil who have reaffirmed its educational value and practice.

Neil has had an outstanding career as a researcher of forensic medicine. In 2020, he deepened his contribution to forensic science as a research assistant at the University of Pretoria. There he managed research projects in forensic medicine, became an assessor and moderator at UP and played a pivotal role in curriculum development and forensic science assessment. He also hosted the prestigious colloquium on Forensic Science and consulted for Strategic Investigations and Seminars for Forensics4Africa PTY LTD. Later and as a Medical Criminalistics Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Pretoria, he continued to promote the strengthening of university forensic curricula during which time he was recognised with an academic H-index of 5, 11 internationally peer-reviewed publications and 187 citations of his research papers. These achievements allowed for Neil to be recognised for the Tuks Young Research Leadership Fellowship which aims to grow early career academics at the University of Pretoria, in the areas of leadership, team development, engagement and collaboration with the intention of addressing complex issues that face society.

Neil has since combined his passion for forensic sciences by working in the humanitarian sector. Having joined the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as a Forensic Specialist in 2018, he contributed to the design and roll-out of training for public sector officials which seek to build the capacity of State forensic systems and capacities to respond to disasters. An extension of his passion for curriculum development, he has contributed to building a South African forensic response system and has also contributed to the recognition of South African forensic expertise across the continent as he took part in responses across the African continent like Cyclone Idai in Mozambique and the Ethiopian airlines’ accident emergency response. He has experience building capacity in South Sudan and Yemen. The combination of his forensic expertise and humanitarian motivation is unique at a time when the continent faces multiple crises. However, it is his contribution to the advancement of South African forensic expertise that is also noteworthy as he represents a unique citizen who believes in the capacity of public sector systems and is committed to building them to enable timely and humanitarian responses to disasters.

Throughout his career, Neil has consistently demonstrated dedication and expertise in the challenging field of humanitarian forensic action and is an example of how science can be used for humanitarian goals.

Neil has achieved and is recognized for the following;

Neil served as the chairperson of the Pretoria Central South African National Blood Donor Committee in 2016 (with over 130 donations made). He further actively contributed as a Basic Life Support Paramedic, providing medical support to mountain rescue operations in the Western Cape and emergency medical services (EMS) in Stellenbosch and Pretoria’s Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

In 2018, Neil became a founding member of the South African Academy of Forensic Sciences (SAAFS), a representative organisation for forensic science practitioners. SAAFS aims to promote their interests, standards, research, and cooperation within the field of forensic sciences and Neil is still an active board member to this day.

Through his work with the Red Cross, Neil has been engaged in building the capacity of first responders in South Africa. Given his academic expertise, he has designed and rolled out training curricula for these audiences and has been an active proponent of combined forensic responses to crises.

Neil has used his forensic speculation to advance public sector response capacity. With many options to engage in more financially rewarding private sector enterprises, he chose to contribute to the building of South Africa’s public response capacity. In a world post-covid and with the rise of climate-related emergencies, which we have witnessed in South Africa the devastating impact of disasters and the life-changing nature of these on an entire society.

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