Shari Forbes

Forbes was born in 1977[3] in Brewarrina. Her family were graziers where the death of animals was routine. She completed her schooling at Hornsby Girls' High School in Sydney.[4] Her first degree was in Applied Chemistry and Forensic Science and she went on to a science based doctorate.[5]

In 2005 she was involved in developing a forensic science course at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. In 2011 she left to take up work in Australia.[6] She became a Professor at the University of Sydney.[5]

Up to 2018 she was involved in creating the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (Australia's first body farm).[6] Where she was involved with research into decomposing bodies.[7] A body farm is a research facility where decomposition can be studied in a variety of settings. The first one was created by William M. Bass in 1980 at the University of Tennessee to study the decomposition of a human corpse from the time of death to the time of decay.[8][9]

In 2018 she became the Canada 150 research chair in thanatology at UQTR. Her seven-year research programme was funded at $350,000 dollars per year and the university met the cost ( $350,000) of[6] Canada's first Body Farm. The nearest similar facility was one at Northern Michigan University, but Forbes was specifically targeting a forest based site.[6] The new "body farm" is at Bécancour and its correct name is the "Secure Site for Research in Thanatology" (or REST[ES], in French). [10][11] As of 2023 she left UQTR and is now a full professor in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Windsor.

Forbes is a fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales.[12]