Cutting-edge MRI arrives at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) has joined a global group of forensic organisations in Zurich, Copenhagen, Toronto and Albuquerque using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to investigate cause of death.

While MRI technology is widespread in clinical settings, it is still relatively new in forensic settings.

VIFM engaged HealthShare Victoria in the procurement of a replacement CT scanner and a new, cutting-edge MRI.

HealthShare Victoria assisted VIFM’s technical evaluation team throughout by managing the procurement and negotiation process.

HSV Head of Equipment Sourcing Mark Lennen says participating in HSV-led health service sourcing activities can greatly enhance the buying power for health services and maximise value for money.

"HSV can assist eligible services, such as VIFM, to help procure the best equipment the market has to offer at the most competitive price," Mark says. 

While the CT scanner was replaced in 2023, the installation of the MRI had to wait until the $40M upgrade of the mortuary was completed in July 2025, supported and funded by the Victorian State Government. This included construction of a facility to house the MRI, a new reception space, a total rebuild of the mortuary, as well as replacing the site’s substation and generator that powers the MRI.

There has been a significant increase in scans since the MRI was installed, with several scans completed per day by VIFM’s radiography team.

MRI technology provides high-quality scans of the brain, heart and spinal cord, as well as assessment of soft tissue injury, allowing VIFM to investigate cause of death often without the need for an invasive autopsy.

Given the enormous potential of MRI to improve forensic pathology practice and the limited availability of such mortuary-based technology on a global scale, research will be a key component of the work at VIFM. 

The arrival of the MRI is also timely from a legislative perspective. In October 2024, the Victorian Government introduced new criminal offences under the Crimes Act 1958, often referred to as 'Joy's Law’, in relation to non-fatal strangulation. Research is underway to investigate the use of MRI in assisting with injury investigation of victims of non-fatal strangulation.

VIFM’s Consulting Forensic Radiologist Chris O’Donnell is excited VIFM’s vision is now a reality.

“The installation of an MRI at VIFM complements our mortuary imaging facilities and cements the Institute as a technological innovator in forensic sciences,” he says.

VIFM Forensic Radiographer Miranda Northey says the benefits are already being demonstrated.

“Right from our first case we could see that the images were of high diagnostic value,” she says. “They provide a lot more detail than the CT images.”

Top image: Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine's Chris O'Donnell and Miranda Northey pictured with the MRI machine.