Introduction -

FORENSIC OUTREACH is an educational organisation covering the fields of forensic science, law enforcement, citizenship, and the criminal justice system. The programmes offered are geared towards the Aimhigher cohort and are linked to Widening Participation initiatives within local universities. Forensic Outreach aims to introduce secondary school students to the concepts of forensic science through summer schools, Masterclasses, and visits to schools by forensic scientists and university students. Forensic Outreach also offers training courses to teachers to help them bring forensic science into the classroom.

In addition, Forensic Outreach offers the skills and expertise of our forensic scientists to those in law enforcement and the legal profession. Some of the fields in which we are able to assist are: forensic archaeology and grave excavation, human remains and forensic anthropology, forensic ecology, fingerprinting, and environmental profiling.

What is Forensic Science?

The word "forensic" means "related to a court of law." Forensic science is essentially the search for information concerning past events specific to a criminal investigation. Forensic scientists do not "solve the case." Rather they utilise their skills to help answer questions using the evidence available. A forensic scientist may be a specialist in one particular discipline or he/she may be trained in a number of areas of expertise.

More than DNA -

Often people associate forensic science with DNA analysis. Whilst DNA profiling is an important field within forensic science, it is only one of a numerous assortment of sub-disciplines. Forensic Outreach explores a variety of these sub-disciplines to express to students the breadth of forensic science. The programmes show how they can get involved and utilise their personal and academic strengths to contribute to law enforcement. Forensic science has something for everyone and makes science fun!

What's on offer?

Forensic Outreach offers a number of ways of introducing forensic science to secondary school students. We currently offer two main programmes as well as careers and other one-off talks, and training for teachers. In addition, we are always flexible and have developed new projects at a school's request. Click on a programme below to find out more.

Useful Links -

Want to learn more about forensic science online? Click here for a list of useful links concerning the different disciplines within forensic science. Also available are links concerning careers and how and where to study forensic science. Finally, check out the sites of professional institutions such as the FBI, the Forensic Science Service, and other organisations.