Feature
Over 400 High School Students Contribute to Forensic Science Research
Published on 10 March 2023
The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science is once again collaborating with the public to improve the robustness of forensic science.
High schools from across Dundee, Angus and Aberdeenshire have been contributing to this latest Citizen Science project that involves collecting and analysing fibres from students’ clothes.
Dr Hervé Ménard, the researcher in charge of this project, hopes that these students’ submissions will help forensic scientists to gain a better understanding of the transfer and persistence as well as the background abundance of fibres in everyday life.
The LRCFS also hopes that participation in this experiment will have a positive impact on students’ confidence and perception of science.
“I really enjoyed it, I wanted to look into crime in science. I don't like science but this makes me interested in science.” – one student commented.
Participating students have gained an experience comparable to the methodologies carried out by professional forensic scientists. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, many of the students had their first experience with microscopes during this project.
Currently over 400 S1-S3 students have participated in this study since December 2022. Thank you to Baldragon Academy, Monifieth High School & Portlethen Academy for taking part, along with the many members of LRCFS who have helped deliver this activity.
If you know a group who would be interested in contributing to Citizen Science research, please email us at LRCFSPublicEngagement@dundee.ac.uk