Human taphonomy is the scientific study of how physical bodies decay after death and is an essential tool in the criminal investigation process, where determining the time of death of a victim can be crucial to a case. Forensic anthropologist Dr Anna Williams will discuss the various stages of decomposition, describing how different combinations of gases are emitted at each point of the process and how these observations are measured at crime scenes and autopsies.

Much of our knowledge on this subject comes about as a result of Human Taphonomy Facilities (or Body Farms) which allow decaying corpses to be scientifically studied. The UK does not currently have such a resource (though there are eight in the US). Dr Williams will make the case for why we need such a facility in this country.

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DR ANNA WILLIAMS
Dr Anna Williams is Principal Enterprise Fellow in Forensic Anthropology at the University of Huddersfield. She is an expert in forensic osteology and decomposition and has appeared on TV and radio discussing anthropology and forensic science. She writes an award-winning blog called Forensic Anna:thropology.