Human taphonomy is the scientific study of how bodies decay after death and is an essential tool in the criminal investigation process. Surprisingly, we know very little about how human bodies decompose in UK conditions. 

In the USA, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands, Human Taphonomy Facilities (also known as "Body Farms") exist, where forensic scientists can do rigorous scientific experiments using donated human cadavers. 

The UK does not currently have such a resource, and is falling behind the rest of the world. Professor 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.

About our speaker 

Anna Williams is Professor of Forensic Science at the University of Lancashire. She is a forensic anthropologist with considerable casework experience with police, National Crime Agency, and forensic science providers, and a research interest in forensic taphonomy and decomposition. She has advised for TV dramas such as Silent Witness and Bones, as well as authors such as Ann Cleves (Vera) and Simon Beckett.