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.

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.

This illustrated presentation will explore the research that is undertaken at Human Taphonomy Facilities across the world, and discuss the ethical and logistical challenges to establishing one in the UK. It will discuss the arguments for and against having one in the UK, and allow people to make up their own mind about them.

Tickets £12.50 including a Victorian punch. Please click here to buy.

PROFESSOR ANNA WILLIAMS
Anna is Professor of Forensic at the University of Lancashire. She is a forensic anthropologist with considerable casework experience with police and forensic science providers, and a research interest in forensic taphonomy and decomposition.