Feature
Upcoming Public Events from Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science
Learn more about the forensic science talks, workshops and public activities we will be running this summer.
Published on 6 August 2024
The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science is dedicated to bringing our community a diverse range of public events that allow families to learn about forensic science. We have a number of events coming up this year that you may be interested in.
Menzieshill Summer Community Day
When: Saturday 17th August 2024, 12:00 -15:00
Where: Menzieshill Community Centre, 260 Dickson Ave, Dundee, DD2 4TQ
The LRCFS team will be running a stall featuring forensic science activities suitable for the whole family!
"A Scottish murder: Unravelling the Ardlamont case” at the Royal Society of Edinburgh Curious festival
When: Friday 6 September 2024, 18:30 - 20:30
Where: The Royal Society of Edinburgh
Explore the Ardlamont trial, a famous Scottish murder that took place at the Ardlamont Estate in 1893. The case fascinated generations, leaving lingering questions about the complexities of justice and hearing a fair trial. We will be joined by a panel of experts who will explore the complexities of this case and ask: “was it an accident or murder?”
You can learn more about the Ardlamont case through our podcast: Inside Forensic Science.
You can attend this event in-person or virtually. Book now for free.
LRCFS at Orkney Science Festival, 10 – 11 September
The LRCFS team will be at Orkney Science Festival presenting a variety of forensic science events to public audiences in person. Our team will be presenting forensic chemistry activities at Stromness Academy and Kirkwall Grammar School.
Check out the links to the festival’s programmes below to learn more about what we will be presenting.
Disentangling DNA, a talk featuring Dr Alexander Gray
When: Tuesday 10 September 2024, 19:00 - 20:00
Where: Orkney Theatre, KGS, Kirkwall
Join Dr Alexander Gray as he discusses how modern day technology is affecting our ability to detect DNA.
Tinier and tinier quantities of DNA can now be detected – giving forensic scientists a problem: a crime scene may have traces of people who have never been there. To what extent can DNA be transferred from place to place, and how can different traces be sifted out?
The Evidence Chamber Workshop
When: Wednesday 11 September 2024, 17:30 - 19:00 pm
Where: Garden Room, King Street Halls, Kirkwall
Join us for a session of the Evidence Chamber at Orkney Science Festival. In this interactive workshop you take on the role of a jury member and are challenged to parse the evidence and case a verdict on a suspect. How does a jury assess evidence and come to a conclusion?
The Future of Forensic Science, a talk featuring Niamh Nic Daeid
When: Wednesday 11 September 2024, 19:30 - 20:30
Where: Orkney Theatre, KGS, Kirkwall
Join Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, as she looks ahead to the future of forensic science. From new and more sensitive methods of detecting DNA to the increased use of AI and the development of virtual reality to recreate crime scenes.
The Evidence Chamber at the Aberdeen TechFest
When: Tuesday 24 September 2024, 16:00-17:30 and 18:00-19:30
Where: Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen
We will at the Aberdeen Techfest presenting more sessions of the Evidence Chamber. In this immersive experience you will take on the role of a juror and work with others to scrutinise the evidence and use your powers of deduction to reach a verdict in a criminal trial.
Check out the full TechFest programme for more details.
Festival of the Future, Wednesday 9 – Sunday 13 October 2024
We will be present at two events in the 2024 Festival of the Future in Dundee.
Learn more about the festival and our events with the links to the programme below:
Family Fun Day
When: Wednesday 9 October 2024, 11:00 - 13:00
Where: Marryat Hall, City Square, Caird Hall, DD1 3BB
The Festival of the Future Family Fun Day is an engaging and interactive experience for all ages. The event will feature a variety of hands-on activities from across the University of Dundee, designed to engage and delight family members of all ages whilst emphasising the theme of connections—between generations, within communities, and with the world around us.
Members of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science will be there to share their research with you through engaging and fun activities!
Disentangling DNA, a talk featuring Alexander Gray
When: Thursday 10 October 2024, 19:30-20:30
Where: Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4EA
Join Dr Alexander Gray as he discusses how modern day technology is affecting our ability to detect DNA.
Tinier and tinier quantities of DNA can now be detected – giving forensic scientists a problem: a crime scene may have traces of people who have never been there. To what extent can DNA be transferred from place to place, and how can different traces be sifted out?
"A life of crime?" talk at New Scientist Live
When: Saturday 12 October 2024, 13:25-14:15
Where: Future Stage, New Scientist Live, London
Professor Anne Coxon, Deputy Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science will be speaking at New Scientist Live. Drawing on 28 years of experience in operational forensic science, Anne will compare and contrast the media portrayal of forensic science with reality. She will also share some of her more challenging, rewarding, and entertaining experiences of working in forensic science.