PAOLA MAGNI.
THE BUG-LOVING, CASE-CRACKING, STEREOTYPE-SMASHING FORENSIC SCIENTIST
Paola is a world-leading researcher, expert witness, media commentator and corporate speaker forging new frontiers in forensic science and the most challenging criminal investigations.
An ambassador and thought leader in the importance of integrating a holistic way of investigating science and life. Paola's natural curiosity and uplifting dialogue is contagious.
Dr Jae West, PhD - Scitech
Paola Magni, a.k.a. Australia’s ‘bug whisperer’, is the global face of the specialist forensic science that uses insects and other small creatures to help solve murders, suspicious deaths and cold cases.
Not only is her expertise relied on by law enforcement agencies and crime scene investigators around the world, but Italian-born Paola is also unravelling the mysteries behind bugs in a way we can all understand.
She has even been the inspiration behind a character on RIS Delitti Imperfetti – the
Italian version of television series CSI Crime Scene Investigation.
With her trademark energy and passion for all things bug-related, Paola is a
screenplay consultant and acting coach for the show to ensure it is as realistic
as possible.
Paola is also a tech entrepreneur. Her Smartinsects smartphone app which
assists law enforcement agencies to identify bugs has been
downloaded more than 40,000 times.
Her cutting-edge CSI-VR virtual reality environment for training forensic investigators was selected as a 2019 Australian finalist for Pitch @ Palace.
One of her top priorities, however, is nurturing the next generation of scientists, encouraging young women to follow their dreams of smashing the stereotypes and forging new frontiers.
Wife, mother to two daughters under the age of three, career scientist podcaster, guest lecturer and media commentator, Paola has never been afraid to prove that women can – and should – have it all.
After centuries of dormancy, young women can now look toward a future moulded by their own hands.
Rita Levi-Montalcini
CORPORATE SPEAKER
Paola is a charismatic and captivating speaker with an infectious enthusiasm for the role insects and other pieces of nature play in crime scene investigation.
Proudly smashing the STEM stereotypes, this self-confessed ‘glamour-nerd’ is smart, vibrant and entertaining.
Paola’s vivacious personality and natural sparkle belie the gritty determination and down-to-earth outlook that have driven her goals and ambitions.
With a mission to motivate, to innovate, to inspire, to challenge, to educate and to share, Paola is a natural-born presenter.
Paola’s topics include
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Why bugs don’t lie
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If you can’t find a role model, become one
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Smashing stereotypes in STEM
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Expert witnesses, trace evidence and crime scene investigation
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Why women should and can have it all
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When forensic science meets forensic fiction
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Breaking down barriers: Making science accessible and inspiring for all
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Becoming a forensic scientist
To inquire about having Paola speak at your next event contact Lisa Johns on 0421 315 186 or lisa@keynote.net.au.
AWARDS
2024
Forensic Experts Award: Natural Sciences (Environmental Forensics, Botany, Entomology, Microbiology, Forensic Zoology)
2023
2024 Australian of the Year for Western Australia - Finalist
2022
WA Women's Hall of Fame inductee
2021
West Australian of the Year Professions Category - Finalist
BT Women Leading in Tech - Finalist
New Colombo Plan “Environmental forensics: science, investigation and transnational education to fight green crimes”
2020
Participant in the “COVID-19 Research and Development Task Force” initiative of Khalifa University of Science and Technology in the UAE
Women in Technology WiTWA Tech [+] Award
Women in Technology First Among Equals Award
Homeward Bound HB6 Project
Tall Poppy Award
Recognised as a WA Business News 40under40
WA Business News 40under40 Intrapreneur Overall Winner
Australian & New Zealand Forensic Science Society National Travel Award
STM “Hot 100” People, Places and Events Influencing WA
2019
Pitch @ Palace - Australian Finalist
Endeavour Leadership Program - two projects awarded
FameLab Global - 4th Place
FameLab Australia - Audience Choice Winner
FameLab Australia - National Winner
2018
Outstanding Service by an Academic Staff Member, Murdoch University
New Colombo Plan “CSI Singapore: Crime Scene Investigation & Science Education at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum” – interactive activity created by forensic science and science education students at LKCNHM of Singapore
2016
ICE Travel Award, keynote speaker at the International Conference of Entomology, USA
Perth Convention Bureau Award to participate in the International Conference of Entomology, USA
Australian & New Zealand Forensic Science Society WA Branch Travel Award
New Colombo Plan “Breaking down barriers for justice: an intercultural approach to Crime Scene Investigation” – providing capability to Australian forensic students to cooperate with Indo-Pacific (Malaysian) colleagues and to become forensically aware across cultures in the application of crime scene analyses
