In this episode, Professor Dame Sue Black (Lancaster University) discusses her current role as Pro-Vice Chancellor for Engagement, and her previous work as Professor of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology at the University of Dundee and in forensic anthropology working for British and international organizations.

When preparing evidence for a criminal court case or war crime investigation, what steps are required by the forensic anthropologist to present carefully recorded and analyzed details surrounding an event? When working in Kosovo, what combination of witness testimonies, circumstantial evidence and biological data is used to determine what happened to those who died during the recent conflict? How may looking at human variation in external hand morphology be a useful approach in solving unique cases of crime? What first inspired Sue to pursue this line of work, and how has she seen the field of forensic science develop in the last few years?

** CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, there is mention of ethnic-based conflict, gun violence, policework involving investigations of rape or child sexual abuse, and the detailed work involved in the recovery and analysis of human remains. If this content causes discomfort, it is advised to stop listening or skip this episode altogether. **

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Show notes

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