The Craft of Forensics: Where Art Meets Evidence

Title: The Craft of Forensics: Where Art Meets Evidence
Speaker: Dr Maria Maclennan, Associate Professor and Director of Postgraduate Research in Design, Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh

From DNA to dental records, traditional ‘primary’ approaches to forensic human identification generally rely upon the physical body in the provision of evidence. In instances where these methods may not be readily available, such as complex crime scenes or disaster zones, ‘secondary’ methods - such as personal effects or body modifications - can help to play an integral role in narrowing down vicitim identity in instances of death, crime, and disaster. The often unique or sentimental nature of many items means they may also be recognised by families, representing the last tangible link to their missing loved one.

Drawing upon her work with international police and investigative agencies across the globe, Dr Maria Maclennan – the world’s first ‘Forensic Jeweller’ – invites us to put on our detective hat, pick up our jeweller’s loupe, and embark on a true-crime adventure following the trail of clues that objects leave behind on both the body and at crime scenes.

Maria will also touch upon the intricate process of craniofacial reconstruction, and how the power of art and science can combine to reconstruct the long-lost faces of the forgotton and deceased.

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Dr Maria Maclennan is Associate Professor and Director of Postgraduate Research in Design at Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), part of The University of Edinburgh. Recognised internationally as the world’s first ‘Forensic Jeweller’, she has been responsible for training investigators across the globe on jewellery recovered with unidentified human remains. An award-winning service designer, forensic artist, emergency response consultant, and court-verified expert witness; Dr Maclennan has over a decade of Senior Management experience across the police, government, and civil service. Her track record of design-led innovation includes projects with INTERPOL, the National Crime Agency, Brazilian Federal Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Transnational Forensic Assistance Platform, and UK Home Office. She is a regular contributor on national television and radio and has been the subject of profiles by The New York Times, Financial Times, BBC World News, and Ripley's 'Believe It or Not’. Most recently, she was shortlisted for an ‘Outstanding Early Career Impact Prize’ (Scottish Institute for Policing Research, 2022), ‘Transforming Global Lives Award’ (University of Dundee, 2023), ‘New Generation Thinker’ Finalist (BBC/AHRC, 2022), and named as one of UK Research and Innovation’s ‘101 People Changing the World’ (UKRI, 2023).

Doors - 7:30pm - first come first served on seating

Intros - 7:50pm

Talk - 8pm

Q&A - 8:40pm