Biology Week: Forensic anthropology - a lecture by Professor Lady Sue Black Hon FRSB
An exclusive event for RSB members exploring Science and the law – forensic anthropological research and its impact
Details
When? Friday 17 October 2025, 15:00 to 16:00
Members Only This is a members-only event
Where? Online (Zoom)
Science and the law - forensic anthropological research and its impact
Talk outline
Forensic anthropology is the analysis of the human or what remains of the human for medico-legal purposes. The ‘forensic' part of our title relates to our role as expert witnesses in the court room where our job is to present our interpretation of the relevance and importance of findings following our investigation of evidence retrieved from a crime scene, and present it in an understandable format to the jury.
The jury are the most important group in the courtroom as they are the triers of fact, and so it is important that we are able to translate what are sometimes complex biological principles into a language that can be understood by the general public but that is not so simplistic as to adjust or skew the meaning or the importance.
In this presentation, I will look at a specific part of the research that my team has been working on for the last decade or more. As often happens in forensic science, the research question to be addressed arose directly from a case presented in 2004 and this has since led to an innovative and entirely new stream of evidence presented to, and accepted by, the court. We have helped the police and the criminal justice system to secure many life sentences and hundreds of years of prison sentencing for those who commit the most heinous of crimes.
Content warning: this presentation will convey some challenging concepts regarding child sexual abuse but no graphic pictures will be displayed.
Content warning: this presentation will convey some challenging concepts regarding child sexual abuse but no graphic pictures will be displayed.
About our speaker
Professor Lady Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome, is one of the world's most prominent forensic anthropologists. Her work has been pivotal in the identification of victims of war crimes and disasters, including in Kosovo, Iraq and the Thai tsunami. A recipient of the Order of the Thistle and President of St John's College, Oxford, she is also a bestselling author and prominent media figure. Her charitable work includes support for Archaeology Scotland, E2M and Locate International.
Chair
This webinar will be chaired by the incoming RSB Chief Executive, Dr Doug Brown FRSB.
Who should attend?
This talk would be of interest to scientists, students, and those interested in how science and the law intersect.
Due to the nature of this lecture, the talk is not suitable for those under the age of 18.
Cost and booking
This event is free to attend and exclusively for RSB members (including paid membership applications awaiting election on 1 October). Spaces are limited so advance registration is essential through the link at the top of the page.
Special requirements
If you have accessibility requirements, please let us know during your booking using the additional information options, and we will do what we can to accommodate your needs.
Continuing Professional Development
This event is approved by the Royal Society of Biology for the purposes of CPD and can be counted as 3 CPD points.
Contact
For event, booking and website queries, please contact Lucy Eckersley at events@rsb.org.uk or on 020 3925 3445.Our Biology Week logo is on all the amazing bioscience events & activities taking place over the week - let us know about your event & we'll add it to our calendar!
Code of Conduct
By its Royal Charter, the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) has the powers to promote, establish and support standards of professional skill and conduct. The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the pipeline. We proactively promote a culture of inclusivity within our discipline and the broader STEM community. It is vital at any RSB event or meeting, that everyone attending is free from any form of harassment or discrimination, feels comfortable and safe, and has the opportunity for an enjoyable experience.