Shari Forbes

Up to 2018 she was involved in creating the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (Australia's first body farm). Where she was involved with research into decomposing bodies. 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 1971 at the University of Tennessee to study the decomposition of a human corpse from the time of death to the time of decay.

In 2018 she became the Canada 150 research chair in thanatology. Her seven year research programme will have $350,000 dollars per year and the university will meet the cost ( $350,000) of Canada's first Body Farm. The nearest similar facility was one at Northern Michigan University, but Forbes was specifically targeting a forest based site. The new "body farm" is at Bécancour and its correct name is the is "Secure Site for Research in Thanatology."

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. She became a Professor at the University of Sydney.

Professor Shari L. Forbes (born 15 October, 1977) is an Australian and Canadian forensic scientist and researcher. She is a thanatology expert on the decomposition of human bodies. She created a body farm in Australia and is now (2020) establishing a similar facility in Canada.

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