Professor Annie Vesterby Charles MD, DMSc, former state-appointed forensic pathologist at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, is being awarded the Cross of Honour of the Order of Dannebrog. She also becomes a Knight of the Order of Dannebrog.

2016.10.10 | Henriette Stevnhøj

Denmark's first female professor of forensic medicine, Annie Vesterby Charles, from Aarhus University became a Knight of the Order of Dannebrog on Friday 23 September.

A dedicated life working in forensic medicine will now be royally recognised. Former state-appointed forensic pathologist, Annie Vesterby Charles, has been awarded the Royal order: Knight of the Order of Dannebrog and she has also received the Cross of Honour of the Order of Dannebrog.

Annie Vesterby Charles is the first Danish female professor of forensic medicine and was until 2013 head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Aarhus University. She has a large scientific production behind her, including a higher doctoral dissertation from 1995 on bone structure. In forensic medicine circles Annie Vesterby Charles is known as an innovator who has e.g. developed a gentler examination technique intended for children who have been sexually abused. Sexual violence has been a focal point for Annie Vesterby Charles throughout her career. She has therefore also been involved in developing the Child Protect Centre and the Sexual Assault Centre at Aarhus University Hospital.

Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Christian Lindholst, congratulates her on the decoration:

"It is a fully deserved honour for Annie and the unique efforts she has made for forensic medicine. She is an academic beacon who has built a valuable network all over the world, which we continue to benefit from. The decoration is also a recognition of the entire department, where Annie was the academic head for many years," says Christian Lindholst.

Annie Vesterby Charles resigned from her position as state-appointed forensic pathologist in the spring of 2016. She remains professor of forensic medicine and a member of the Danish Council of Forensic Doctors, where she has been vice-chair since 2011.  

Further information

Professor, MD, DMSc Annie Vesterby Charles 
Department of Forensic Medicine

(+45) 8716 8303 av@forens.au.dk