Talk overview

The use of soil and related evidence in criminal investigations – Head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science, Professor Dame Lorna Dawson

Held at 11:30am

Professor Dame Lorna Dawson, Head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science at the James Hutton Institute, will describe how soil and ecological traces can be used to assist in many aspects of criminal and civil investigations. Drawing on her experience over the last 20 years, she will take the audience through examples of its effective use – from crime scene investigation, search, trace evidence comparison, food fraud, whisky provenance, heritage crime and mass grave identification. The importance of context, background land cover and soil spatial datasets will be demonstrated. She will also discuss the importance of effective engagement at all stages of an investigation, from scene attendance to court appearance, through the medium of print, radio and television.

The interpretation of landscapes and their changes over time as mapped in 1700s through to the present day, in rural and urban areas.

Held at 10:30, 12:30 and 1:30

Examples to be drawn from Aberdeen city and across Scotland, an aim is to encourage visitors to identify and report changes in landscapes themselves, and contribute to explanations for those changes (e.g. drivers, impacts) and what can be learnt for managing change into the future.

In addition to the lectures, visitors can enjoy:

• Interactive displays on soil minerals and scanning electron microscope imagining. These displays will include games suitable for any age, letting visitors learn more about a world too small to be seen with the naked eye.
• A tour of the Hutton’s lab facilities will also be available, with lab-based activities for kids (and adults) taking place four times throughout the day.
• Self-guided tour of the new wildlife sculpture trail at the campus
• Performances by James and Isabella Hutton brought to life by talented young actors.

The Open Doors Day will also offer an opportunity to experience the Hutton’s new touch tables, VR headsets and Immersive Suite – a state-of-the art facility which allows for photos, videos, graphics, models and simulated environments to be projected on all four walls in an all-encompassing experience.

Our cafe will be open for refreshments throughout the day.

Entry is free; however pre-registration is required for the talks by Dame Professor Dawson (The use of soil and related evidence in criminal investigations) and Professor David Miller (The interpretation of landscapes and their changes over time as mapped in 1700s through to the present day).

Accessibility note

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Photography/filming

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