Press release
Former Lord Advocate’s lecture to make the case for forensic science
Scotland’s former Lord Advocate will hold court when she hosts one of the University of Dundee’s showcase events next week.
Published on 1 July 2026
The Right Honourable Dorothy Ruth Bain PC KC will share insights from her career when she presents the 2026 Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science Annual Lecture. The free event, From suspicion to certainty? Science, proof and the pursuit of justice in criminal law, takes place on Tuesday 7 July.
Mrs Bain stood down as the nation’s most senior law officer and chief public prosecutor last month. It followed a five-year tenure which included leading the Scottish Government’s legal response to the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Post Office Horizon scandal, and proposals for a second Scottish independence referendum.
Her appointment to the role followed an illustrious legal career that saw her awarded silk in 2007 and serve as Principal Crown Counsel for Scotland from 2009 to 2011, the first woman to hold the position. She has appeared in many leading cases in the fields of public and administrative law, human rights and criminal law heard before the Court of Session, the Court of Criminal Appeal, and the UK Supreme Court. In addition, she has just been appointed as a Senator of the College of Justice.
Professor Niamh Nic Daéid, Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, said, “It is a tremendous honour to welcome Dorothy Bain to deliver our 2026 annual lecture.
“As former Lord Advocate, her experience gives her unique insight into modern Scotland’s legal system and the critical role that forensic science plays.
“The work we conduct at the Leverhulme Centre is dedicated to improving the quality and understanding of the science used within the justice system. Hearing from such a leading authority on the relationship between science and law will not only fascinate the public but underline why robust scientific research is integral to ensuring fairness and equality for all.”
The 2026 Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science Annual Lecture takes place in the University of Dundee’s D'Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre, Tower Building, on Tuesday 7 July, 18:00-19:00. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance via Eventbrite.