Scientific questions with an operational context
RHEM Labs is an independent Australian forensic science laboratory. Its practice concerns digital evidence and expert interpretation; its research addresses recurring technical problems arising from that work.
Potential contributions to Defence and government work include independent forensic examination, technical evaluation, image-provenance research, test and evaluation, and collaborative validation. A proposed instruction or research collaboration must be scoped against the actual question, available expertise, material and handling requirements.
Forensic practice
Acquisition and evidence integrity addresses what was preserved and what could be missing. Digital evidence review examines the basis of technical findings. Expert reporting explains methods, reasoning and limitations for the intended decision-maker.
The laboratory’s independence applies to government instructions in the same way as to other professional work. A finding must follow the evidence rather than an institutional preference.
Research and evaluation
SPOT for Defence explores an experimental image-origin triage method and a proposed evaluation pathway. This proposed application forms part of the broader SPOT research programme. Representative operational evaluation is the next stage.
The 2024 Defence strategies provide context for experimentation, test and evaluation, systems assurance and collaboration with Australian industry and research organisations. The proposed connection to SPOT is RHEM Labs’ research interpretation, not a Defence requirement or procurement commitment.
Begin with a defined problem
Describe the mission or analytical problem, the relevant data population, required performance and possible evaluation environment. Establish handling and access requirements before sharing any material.
Review Dr Matthews’ expertise and the research partnership pathway. Discuss an examination or evaluation; initial messages should be unclassified and non-sensitive.