Traces of a Dream: From Lausanne to Sydney, and Beyond

One of a series of articles showcasing the globally significant and long lasting collaboration between researchers at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). This will culminate in an exciting event on the 3rd of June hosted by the UNIL School of Criminal Sciences (ESC), a unique opportunity to engage with world-class experts from Switzerland and Australia, and discover how Australian-Swiss cooperation is shaping the future of Forensic Science.

My love for Australia began in 1996 when I travelled here with my parents. We spent four unforgettable weeks touring the country, and I was instantly hooked — the people, the vibe, the wide-open spaces. All I wanted was to come back.

While on that trip, I spotted ads calling for volunteers for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and thought, “That’s the perfect reason to return!” I applied, was accepted, and in September 2000 I flew to Sydney — alone, with my first four nights booked, a burner phone in my pocket, and a heart full of excitement. I spent a month volunteering at the Games, soaking up the atmosphere, meeting people from around the world, and experiencing Australia at its vibrant best. Leaving was tough, but I had to go back to Lausanne to finish my forensic science studies.

Australia, though, stayed in my heart. As I neared the end of my degree in 2004, I asked the École des Sciences Criminelles (ESC) if they could help me organise a placement with an Australian police force. It wasn’t easy, but with strong support from ESC and the Centre for Forensic Science, I landed an exchange with UTS, researching forensic intelligence with the National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) and teaching practicals. I met state police forensic staff, saw new approaches, and explored more of the country.

After 9 months, I tried hard to stay — but it wasn’t meant to be. I returned to Switzerland, joined the Geneva State Police as a criminalist, and started a PhD with ESC. Still craving an international career, I applied for a role with the UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon in The Hague. I moved there in 2010 — and, unexpectedly, met lots of Australians! One became particularly important. When it was time for him to return home, he asked if I’d come too. In March 2013, we moved to Sydney.

Back in Australia, I resumed my PhD and eventually found a forensic role at NIFS in 2014 — working on a forensic intelligence project I’d contributed to in 2005. It felt like everything had come full circle. I commuted between Sydney and Melbourne, building strong national networks with forensic professionals. In 2017, we moved to Indonesia for my husband’s posting, and I worked with the International Committee of the Red Cross. We returned to Australia in 2019, and I joined AFP Forensics — where I still work, currently remotely from Paris.

In April 2019, I became an Australian citizen. I had a private ceremony at the embassy in Jakarta and cried through most of it. It was the realisation of a dream I’d carried since 1996. I’ll always be Swiss at heart, but I’ve definitely absorbed some Aussie ways — my English is full of “arvo,” “sanga,” “barbie,” and “op shop” (which confused my British and American colleagues no end). I’ve even embraced Vegemite and peanut butter/banana sandwiches. Life’s full of contrasts — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Eva will speak to us at the upcoming ASAIN event, Traces of Innovation: Global impacts of Australian-Swiss collaboration and the future of Forensic Science.