One of two rooms that can be used as a simulation crime scene. Credit: University of Exeter
The University of Exeter (UK) has launched a forensic ecology consultancy that will work directly with police and investigative agencies to help solve crimes and major incidents.
One of the first consultancy services of its kind to be founded within a UK university, ApEx Forensics will bring together academics across a broad range of fields, including DNA, decomposition, garment analysis, soils and radiocarbon dating, and more.
ApEx will be led by Karl Harrison, who joined the university last year after working in forensic investigations for more than 20 years. A former National Forensic Specialist Adviser, Harrison has been commended for his work at Grenfell Tower, as well as a broad range of cases in the UK, Europe and the Middle East, including those relating to international waters.
“At a time when forensic services are under increasing pressure, ApEx enables us to bring our wealth of knowledge and experience directly into front-line investigations,” said Harrison. “We see that as a significant benefit to the investigative processes that underpin criminal prosecutions and public enquiries.”
Ultimately, the new program bridges the gap between academic research and front-line investigative work. In fact, ApEx is already collaborating with police forces across the South West, Wales and national policing bodies.
In addition to consultancy services, ApEx will also play a role in training the next generation of forensic scientists. Two new crime scene simulation laboratories have been built on the university’s St. Luke’s campus, which will support both professional development and training courses as well as students enrolled in the school’s new MSc in Forensic Investigations.
Representatives from several police constabularies, fire services and forensic services will receive tours of the new crime scene laboratories at the official launch on Tuesday, November 4.
“Our investment in forensic archaeology demonstrates the importance of this specialist field in terms of commercialization of research and realizing its real-world impact; teaching and meeting student demand; and our civic duty,” said Will Higbee, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement and Innovation. “If we can use our facilities and expertise to help with major investigations, then that is a great way of building collaborations and partnerships and creating positive societal impact.”