EuroSciCon, Cineworld: The O2, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX, United Kingdom
3rd – 5th March 2014
DAY 1: 3rd March 2014 Crime Scene Analysis and Victim Identification Forum - 2nd Annual Event 9:45 – 10:00 Introduction by the Chair: Dr Claire Gwinnett PhD, PgDipHPE, PgCHPE, PgCRM, FHEA, BSc(Hons) Principal Lecturer and Researcher in Forensic and Crime Science, Forensic and Crime Science Department, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
10:00 – 10:30 The detection and age estimation of blood stains using hyperspectral imaging
Dr Meez Islam, Reader in Physical Chemistry, School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, UK
There is a need for a reliable means of detecting, identifying and estimating the age of blood stains at crime scenes or from recovered evidence, in a non contact, non destructive manner. Hyperspectral imaging which allows spectral and spatial information to be obtained simultaneously provides a means of achieving this. At Teesside University we have developed the use of visible wavelength hyperspectral imaging to detect and identify blood stains on a range of substrates including dark coloured substrates and at dilutions which are invisible to the naked eye and also estimate the age of the blood stain.
10:30 – 11:00 Fire scene investigation
Mr David Scaysbrook, Consultant forensic scientist, Gardiner Fire Investigation - and - S&T Forensics, UK
This talk aims to provide a brief overview of fire scene investigation techniques, using case examples. In addition it will seek to ascertain how the current system of fire investigation – with the advent of huge fire & police service cutbacks and privatised forensic service providers - is functioning in England & Wales.
11:00 – 11:30 Speakers’ photo then mid-morning break and poster exhibition and trade show
11:30 – 12:00 Crime linkage: Identifying crime series in the absence of physical forensic evidence
Dr. Jessica Woodhams, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK
Crime linkage is a psychological practice used by police forces to identify crime series in the absence of physical forensic evidence. It assumes that criminals commit crimes in a consistent and distinctive manner. As well as being used to inform police investigations, it is presented in legal proceedings in some countries. Bearing in mind its uses, it is crucial that it receive empirical scrutiny. I will present a summary of the research conducted thus far as well as outline the work of a new international network for researchers and practitioners of crime linkage, the C-LINK (Crime Linkage International NetworK).
12:00 – 12:30 Silver Linings: Jewellery as a tool for Victim Identification
Miss Maria Maclennan, Research Intern at the College of Policing, PhD Researcher in Design, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), The University of Dundee, Scotland, UK
‘Forensic Jewellery’ is an emergent field of interdisciplinary practice which attempts to marry the traditionally disparate fields of forensic science and jewellery design towards developing a new technique for human identification. In addition to presenting publicized legal cases identified within the media wherein jewellery has contributed to practices surrounding identification, this presentation will explore some of the tools and techniques that may be applied as well as the factors that may affect attempting to utilise jewellery as a method of victim identification.
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch, poster exhibition and trade show
13:30 – 14:00 Discussion session
This discussion session is an informal question and answer session. This is an ideal opportunity to get advice and opinion from experts in this area. This session is not for questions about specific talks, which can be asked after the speakers session, but for discussing either general topics or specific issues. There are three ways you can ask questions:
1. Before the session you can submit your question to Euroscicon staff at the registration desk,
2. Before and during the session you can submit a question or comments, by email, which will be provided on the day of the event
3. During the session you can put your hand up and join in
13:30 – 14:00 Comparative Observational Gait Analysis Between Imagery Acquired From CCTV of a Murder Perpetrator and a Suspected Subject: A Case Report
Professor Carlo Frigo, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
14:30 – 15:00 Afternoon Tea, last poster session and trade show
15:00 – 15:30 Forensic Podiatry
Professor Wesley Vernon OBE, Head of Podiatry Services and Research Lead, Sheffield PCT Jordanthorpe Health Centre, UK
Forensic Podiatry has been considered for over 90 years and practiced for the past 40 years. It is however only relatively recently that the specialty has become formalised with a supportive evidence based, standards and other governance arrangements. The lecture will provide a brief overview of forensic podiatry including it's history, role and practice.
15:30 – 16:00 Forensic Gait Analysis - can we walk the walk?
Professor Ivan Birch, Consultant Expert Witness, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Forensic gait analysis is increasingly being used during criminal investigations, and as a source of evidence for use at trial. Despite substantial progress in the development of a research evidence base during the last two years, there remain a number of challenges to be overcome in terms of the development of best practice in this field of work. This presentation will consider the current state of the evidence base underpinning forensic gait analysis, strategies by which best practice might be developed, the challenges that practitioners commonly face, and the potential pitfalls of trying to analyse gait from CCTV footage.
16:00 - 16:30 Co-ordinate measuring machine for bite mark analysis in crime scene and victim
Dr Amal AlAli, The Barts and the London School of medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
The use of coordinate metrology with freeform comparison software has created an advanced and accurate comparison between two objects. This novel means of measuring enables better presentation of physical features of crime scene evidence, reduction/elimination of examiner subjectivity, better control of image visualization, and standardisation of comparison procedures. Hence, it fulfils the criteria for contemporary standards from both a legal and scientific perspective. This study aimed to develop this technology using an Incise Dental Scanner (IDS) to match and compare complex free form surfaces on bite marks.
16:30 - 17:00 3D-forensics: mobile high resolution 3d-scanner and 3d data analysis for forensic evidence
Mr Stephen Crabbe, Crabbe Consulting Ltd, Germany
Footwear and tyre impressions left at crime scenes are important evidence for both criminal investigations and proceedings in court. The common operational methodology to record these impressions is through the making of plaster casts. Plaster casting of impressions has a number of disadvantages. A group of European organisations have teamed-up to develop a new ground breaking solution for forensic evidence collection and analysis: 3D-Forensics - Mobile high-resolution 3D-Scanner and 3D data analysis for forensic evidence. The project started in 2013 and is co-funded by the European Union under the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development. The project’s motivation, approach and benefits will be presented. DAY 2: 4th March 2014 3rd Forum for Disaster Victim Identification
9:00 – 9:45 Registration
9:45 – 10:00 Introduction by the Chair: Professor Sue Black, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK
10:00 – 10:30 DVI is global
Professor Sue Black, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK
There is a tendancy to think of DVI in a national bubble and even when it is an international incident we still deploy within our national cohort. In times of austerity we perhaps need to look for new models whereby complimentarity and common aide are better utilised.
10:30 – 11:00 The Case for Professionalisng the UK DVI Capability
Mr Nigel Humphreys
The early recommendations leading to the formation of UK DVI were always intended to deliver a robust multi-agency arrangement that was inclusive of all professions with a part to play in the process. Even though the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) were one of the least experienced participants when UK DVI was first put together in 2005, the policing contribution seems to dominate the programme of work to develop and maintain this national capability. For at least 30 years the police service has been using the word 'Professional' to describe many of its functions but has so far, failed to make significant progress in defining the essential elements of a profession for its own staff so what can it be reasonably expected to do for UK DVI? A profession refers to an occupation that requires specialised education, knowledge, training and ethics. A profession is more than just an occupation not least because those who are in it are expected to meet and maintain common standards. Now is the time to ponder the whereabouts of those common standards and shared ethics as well as the commitment to continuing professional development and growing the pool of knowledge that contributes to DVI work in the UK and across the world. Many of us belong to professional bodies that are well established and clearly defined, the police service is not one of them. By looking at the mindset of the 'Professional Investigator' alongside the culture and ethics of policing, some weaknesses in the current arrangements for UK DVI are laid bare and the case for professionalising a unified DVI function is made.
11:00 – 11:30 Speakers’ photo then mid-morning break and poster exhibition and trade show
11:30 – 12:00 Talk title to be confirmed
Elaine Higgins, Cellmark
12:00 - 12:30 DVI in Action: the Response to 7/7
Mr Gary Silver MSc PGCE (QTLS) FICPEM FEPS MIfL, Independent Pracademic, UK
This session will explore the operational response to the terrorist bombings of London in July 2005. It will examine how it was necessary to both implement and adapt existing plans and long-standing, well-versed Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) procedures in order to meet the exceptional demands of the event.
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch, poster exhibition and trade show
13:30 – 14:30 Discussion Panel
This discussion session is an informal question and answer session. This is an ideal opportunity to get advice and opinion from experts in this area. This session is not for questions about specific talks, which can be asked after the speakers session, but for discussing either general topics or specific issues. There are three ways you can ask questions:
1. Before the session you can submit your question to Euroscicon staff at the registration desk,
2. Before and during the session you can submit a question or comments, by email, which will be provided on the day of the event
3. During the session you can put your hand up and join in
14:30 – 15:00 Developing integrated communications and data environment software for disaster scenes
Dr Patrick Langdon, Senior Researcher Inclusive Design, Cambridge University Engineering Department, UK
New developments in wireless communication have great potential to assist disaster management. However, recent development may now make it possible to extend this support to UK interests in other countries and beyond first response into post-mortem procedures. Since contributing to a WRERC workshop in Georgia Tech, 2010 Pat Langdon has researched wireless communication as a tool for aiding First response, Rescue and Disaster management. With a background of 20 years in Mountain Rescue, his contribution has been concerned with use of human centred design techniques to find practical stakeholder requirements and preferences. Stakeholders in the deployment of such technologies will include Governance and the specific countries command hierarchy for first responders such as Fire, Police, Medic, and Military. Initially, this will be aimed at saving lives in the aftermath of an event, using broadcast and interchange of data between the responders, the casualties and relatives involved. However, the same technology has the potential to be developed further for further vital stakeholders, including FCO response and forensic pathology. This talk will give an account of the potential technologies and examine some stakeholder analyses carried out in some international and national research projects.
15:00 – 15:30 Afternoon Tea, last poster session and trade show
15:30 – 16:00 PMCT in the identification of the developing human
Ms Alison Brough, Research Associate within the East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit at the University of Leicester
16:00 – 16:30 DVI a multiagency response
D/Supt Jen Williams, National Emergency Procedures & Disaster Victim Identification Co-ordinator ACPO - Association of Chief Police Officers
Disaster Victim Identification is a multi-agency response where it is important that statutory and voluntary partners work together with the forensic experts in response to an incident . It is only by this approach that we can provide the best service for the victims and families of an incident involving mass fatalities.
16:30 - 17:00 Identification of the victims of the Christchurch Earthquake
Dr Jules Kieser, Director, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, University of Otago, New Zealand
The Christchurch earthquake 22 February 2011 was a powerful natural event that severely damaged New Zealand's second-largest city and resulted in 185 fatalities, most of whom died in the collapse of a single six-storey building. The disaster provided a number of unique DVI challenges, including instability of the quake damaged parts of the city, massive injuries and burning suffered by the victims and large numbers of young overseas students involved. Despite this, the DVI exercise was successfully launched in a nearby military base, where a number of novel identification protocols were instituted. This talk will focus on the forensic odontological aspects of this process.
17:00 Chairman’s summing up and Close of Meeting DAY 3: 5th March 2014 Forensic Investigations to locate and identify the missing The search for the missing and their identification is an ever growing issue recognised by the international community and national governments alike. Investigations are a multi-disciplinary endeavour, and this forum presents examples from across the scientific process of how this work has been successfully undertaken. Finding solutions to the challenges posed by both operational activities in the field, and resolving issues of identification especially from multiple casualty events continues to be a pressing problem. The scale and difficulties with pinpointing disposal sites and the effective and standardised approaches to dealing with mass graves and numerous skeletonised remains require constant development of techniques to make the scientific process more effective. New research and case studies into how bring cases are brought to light and to conclusion are presented from a range of academic and discipline professionals. This International Forum will comprise of expert talks and plenty of networking opportunities.
This event has CPD accreditation and is part of the Forensic Forums 2014 series –www.forensicforums2014.com.
Meeting chair: Mr Ian Hanson, International Commission on Missing Persons, Sarajevo
The deadline for abstract submissions for oral presentation has now passed. Abstracts for poster presentation only can be submitted up to two weeks before the event. You can download the instructions for authors at: www.euroscicon.com/AbstractsForOralAndPosterPresentation.pdf
Talk times include 5 – 10 minutes for questions
9:00 – 9:45 Registration
9:45 – 10:00 Introduction by the Chair: Mr Ian Hanson, International Commission on Missing Persons, Sarajevo
10:00 – 10:30 The effective location of mass graves. The continuing work to find the missing from Srebrenica
Mr Ian Hanson, International Commission on Missing Persons, Sarajevo
The events concerning the fall of Srebrenica have been well documented. The physical search for the missing began in 1996, and continues today. The approaches have been multi-disciplinary and the success of various methods of search, location and recovery analysed. How the dozens of mass graves related to the events were found indicates what approaches might be utilised in future conflicts to locate the missing.
10:30 – 11:00 The Excavation of a WW1 Mass Grave: Recovery & Identification of Australian And British Servicemen, Fromelles, France
Mrs Alison Anderson, Senior Anatomical Pathology Technologist,NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology, Scotland, UK
The WW1 Battle of Fromelles on 19th July 1916 resulted in the loss of more than 2000 Australian and British Servicemen. Many of those killed could not be accounted for at the time and historians have long speculated their whereabouts. Bavarian regimental archives suggested the location of several possible burial pits which were eventually pinned down to Pheasant Wood, Fromelles. In May 2009 a complete excavation of the site began, revealing many amazing artefacts but also personal tragedies of the First World War. This presentation demonstrates traditional archaeology working alongside DVI protocols and the value of providing families with identifications.
11:00 – 11:30 Speakers’ photo then mid-morning break and poster exhibition
11:30 – 12:00 GIS analysis and the reliability and validify of a forensic survey
Mr Mike Groen, Forensic Archaeologist, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Netherlands
Within Dutch forensic archaeology the use of GIS is self-evident, especially when a field survey for a missing and possibly buried person is planned. Moreover, the GIS use is not limited to the visualisation of satellite images and geographical maps of the survey area; GIS is also used to plan the survey and to assess the pedological, geomorphological and ecological values within the survey area. These values will, together with the time interval since the disappearance, predict the taphonomic preservation of a buried body, and, subsequently, the usefulness of different survey methods and the reliability and validly of the outcome of the survey, depending the method(s) used.
12:00 – 12:30 Mass grave evidence before international criminal trials
Dr Melanie Klinkner, Senior Lecturer in Law, Bournemouth University, UK
As the extensive experience of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia demonstrates, scientific expertise, especiallyrelating to mass grave evidence, has been used successfully to prosecute the categories of crimes falling under its jurisdiction. Thispaper, firstly, examines the way mass grave evidence has been used at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslaviabefore, secondly, analysing how relevant mass grave victim identification and location of the missing is likely to be at the International Criminal Court.
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch, poster exhibition
13:30 – 14:30 Discussion Panel
This discussion session is an informal question and answer session. This is an ideal opportunity to get advice and opinion from experts in this area. This session is not for questions about specific talks, which can be asked after the speakers session, but for discussing either general topics or specific issues. There are three ways you can ask questions:
1. Before the session you can submit your question to Euroscicon staff at the registration desk
2. Before and during the session you can submit a question or comments, by email, which will be provided on the day of the event
3. During the session you can put your hand up and join in
14:30 – 15:00 Searching for missing people: the contribution of forensic archaeology and anthropology.
Dr Matteo Borrini, Principal Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University - School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, UK
The search for missing persons is a complex multidisciplinary investigation. Forensic anthropology and archaeology contribute to this investigation by providing useful tools, such as a prioritized and scientific field survey, or supporting cadaver dog units.Cases from the Italian context are analyzed to underline the possible future implementation of such investigations by the involvement of a multi-expert team. The activity of the association NEMESI, which is developing training protocols for units composed by dog handlers and forensic archaeologists and anthropologists, will be presented.
15:00 – 15:30 Afternoon Tea, last poster session and trade show
15:30 – 16:00 The Role of Forensic Anthropology in Mass Grave Investigations in Guatemala and Afghanistan
Ms Gillian Fowler, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science, University of Lincoln, UK
Forensic anthropology is fundamental to the investigation of human rights violations around the world. Its role in the investigation of mass graves comprises three parts; ante-mortem investigation, exhumation and post-mortem analysis of the remains. In post-conflict countries, such as Guatemala and Afghanistan, extensive ante-mortem information is the cornerstone to successful identifications. The investigation of mass graves raises many ethical, political and social questions and these should be carefully considered before any attempt is made to exhume a grave. This presentation will examine the work of the forensic anthropologist within this complex process with references specific to Guatemala and Afghanistan.
16:00 – 16:30 Forensic archaeology and anthropology in criminal and restorative justice
Professor Martin Evison, Research Group Leader, Northumbria University Centre for Forensic Science, UK
This presentation will begin by summarsing the sorts of contribution forensic archaeology and anthropology can make to a criminal investigation, illustrating their strengths and weaknesses. It will consider their utility in the justice system and wider social implications, including their role in the investigation of alleged abuses of human rights and restorative justice.
16:30 - 17:00 Technological choices and approaches for detecting mass graves
Mr Paul Cheetham, Senior Lecturer in Archaeological Sciences at Bournemouth University, UK
There can be a tendency to be overoptimistic about the effectiveness of technologies that could help in detecting mass graves. In practice, rarely does any project have access to all those that are available for a range of constraints, while in some cases the efficacy and reliability of such technologies have never been convincingly demonstrated. This presentation will consider critically the strengths and weaknesses of a range of technologies that are used, have been used, or have been suggested for use in detecting mass graves of all types so that more informed choices can be made.
17:00 Chairman’s summing up and Close of Meeting
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Invited Speakers:
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DAY 1: 3rd March 2014 Chair: Dr Claire Gwinnett PhD, PgDipHPE, PgCHPE, PgCRM, FHEA, BSc(Hons) Principal Lecturer and Researcher in Forensic and Crime Science, Forensic and Crime Science Department, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK Speakers: Dr Meez Islam, Reader in Physical Chemistry, School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, UK Mr David Scaysbrook, Consultant forensic scientist, Gardiner Fire Investigation - and - S&T Forensics, UK Dr. Jessica Woodhams, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK Miss Maria Maclennan, Research Intern at the College of Policing, PhD Researcher in Design, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), The University of Dundee, Scotland, UK Professor Carlo Frigo, Politecnico di Milano, Italy Professor Wesley Vernon OBE, Head of Podiatry Services and Research Lead, Sheffield PCT Jordanthorpe Health Centre, UK Professor Ivan Birch, Consultant Expert Witness, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK Dr Amal AlAli, The Barts and the London School of medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK Mr Stephen Crabbe, Crabbe Consulting Ltd, Germany DAY 2: 4th March 2014 Chair: Professor Sue Black, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK Speakers: Mr Nigel Humphreys Elaine Higgins, Cellmark Mr Gary Silver MSc PGCE (QTLS) FICPEM FEPS MIfL, Independent Pracademic, UK Dr Patrick Langdon, Senior Researcher Inclusive Design, Cambridge University Engineering Department, UK Ms Alison Brough, Research Associate within the East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit at the University of Leicester D/Supt Jen Williams, National Emergency Procedures & Disaster Victim Identification Co-ordinator ACPO - Association of Chief Police Officers Dr Jules Kieser, Director, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, University of Otago, New Zealand DAY 3: 5th March 2014 chair: Mr Ian Hanson, International Commission on Missing Persons, Sarajevo Speakers: Mrs Alison Anderson, Senior Anatomical Pathology Technologist,NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology, Scotland, UK Mr Mike Groen, Forensic Archaeologist, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Netherlands Dr Melanie Klinkner, Senior Lecturer in Law, Bournemouth University, UK Dr Matteo Borrini, Principal Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University - School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, UK Ms Gillian Fowler, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science, University of Lincoln, UK Professor Martin Evison, Research Group Leader, Northumbria University Centre for Forensic Science, UK Mr Paul Cheetham, Senior Lecturer in Archaeological Sciences at Bournemouth University, UK
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