The Case of the Body in the Cellar workshop

 Hello! Sorry again about the lack of posts recently - it's a sign I am working hard!

I wanted to tell you about an exciting workshop that we are running at UCLan this half-term. It is called The Case of the Body in the Cellar, and it is an interactive, immersive workshop where attendees play the role of detectives and forensic scientists as a case unfolds in real time. The workshop is specially designed for 15-18 year olds, to inspire interest in a range of careers in forensic science, but it is open to anyone over the age of 12 who likes problem-solving, mysteries and real crime. 

The workshop is running from 09.30-16.00 on Wednesday 23rd October, at the Young Scientist Centre, Darwin Building at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston campus. It costs £35, and attendees should bring their own packed lunch and drink, but some refreshments will be provided. 

Over the course of the workshop, attendees will learn how to distinguish between animal and human remains, look at real human skeletal remains and work out age, sex and stature of skeletal remains, and use dental and DNA evidence to make a positive identification. Along the way, there will be curveballs, red herrings and intrigue!

Please spread the word about this workshop to anyone you think might be interested in attending - if you know a budding sleuth, this might be just the thing for half-term!

Click here to book!

Lecture video and podcast

Hiya! I'm embarrassed that I haven't posted for so long. Just been busy, you know, working! But, I have a few little nuggets to update you with. 

Firstly, the video of my (relatively) recent keynote lecture at the Question. Explore. Discover. conference in Manchester in September 2023 has just been uploaded to Youtube, so you can watch it here. I was posing the question I often pose, 'Does the UK need a 'body farm'?'. I think you can guess my stance on it, but hopefully the video will answer any questions you have. If this sparks your interest, whatever your opinion, please do fill in the HTF4UK survey here. We're still very keen to get a grasp on public opinion. If you have already filled it in, please spread the word to your family and friends. The more responses we get, the more we know what we have to do to improve people's opinions of Human Taphonomy Facilities. 

Secondly, I was recently invited to contribute to the Listening to the Dead podcast, hosted by the brilliant Lynda La Plante and Cass Sutherland. I was particularly thrilled because I have been a fan of Lynda La Plante's writing for a long time. She uses the podcast to find out more about all aspects of forensic science to use in her writing. You can find out more about the podcast here. The episode I feature in should be available to listen to in late August or early September. I will keep you posted!