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Science and the Law

Careers at the interface of science and law

This event will explore the career opportunities that exist within both science and law sectors.

  • 05 October 2023, 15:00 - 17:00
  • Free
Add to Calendar 10/05/23 03:00 PM 10/05/23 05:00 PM United Kingdom (GMT) Careers at the interface of science and law
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Overview Programme

Overview

This event will explore the career opportunities that exist within both science and law sectors.

This careers session is aimed at undergraduates and recent postgraduates, as well as sixth form students interested in a career in science or law.

The session will feature talks from professionals working at the interface of science and the law, exploring the mobility between the two sectors and the pathway into their current careers, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session.

This event is part of the Science and Law programmes at the National Academy of Science and the Royal Society. Find out more about the Royal Society's Science and the Law programme.

Attending this event

  • This will be a hybrid event
  • In-person attendance is by invitation and suitable for 18+ only. To request an invitation for in-person attendance, please contact the Industry team.
  • For virtual attendance, please sign up via Eventbrite
  • For the programme, scroll down and click on the arrows to see the speakers and abstracts for their talks
  • The Royal Society has an acceptable use policy for all online events, and we expect our users to abide by these guidelines
  • For any queries or accessibility requirements, please email the Industry team.
Credit: ©iStock.com DNY59
©iStock.com DNY59

Schedule

15:00-15:05
Welcome
15:00-15:05
Welcome

Speakers

Dr Julie Maxton DBE

Executive Director, the Royal Society

Dr Julie Maxton DBE

Executive Director, the Royal Society

Dr Julie Maxton DBE is the Executive Director of the Royal Society, the first woman in 350 years to hold the post. Before taking up her position at the Royal Society in 2011 Julie was Registrar at the University of Oxford, the first woman in 550 years in the role.

She is an Honorary Fellow of University College Oxford, a Bencher of the Middle Temple, a Freeman of the Goldsmith’s Company and a Board member of Sense about Science. In the past she has also been on the Boards of the Alan Turing Institute, Blavatnik School of Government in Oxford, Haberdasher Aske’s School (Elstree), Engineering UK, Charities Aid Foundation and The Faraday Institute.

Originally trained as a barrister at the Middle Temple, Julie combined a career as a practising lawyer with that of an academic, holding a number of senior academic positions, including those of Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Academic and other recognition Julie has received include a CBE (2017) and Honorary Degrees from the Universities of Huddersfield, Warwick, Canterbury, Hull and Bristol.

She is the author of several books and numerous articles concerned with trusts, equity, commercial and property law.

15:05-15:55
Session 1: Using science for criminal investigation and prevention
4 talks

Chair

Dr Julie Maxton DBE

Executive Director, the Royal Society

Dr Julie Maxton DBE

Executive Director, the Royal Society

Dr Julie Maxton DBE is the Executive Director of the Royal Society, the first woman in 350 years to hold the post. Before taking up her position at the Royal Society in 2011 Julie was Registrar at the University of Oxford, the first woman in 550 years in the role.

She is an Honorary Fellow of University College Oxford, a Bencher of the Middle Temple, a Freeman of the Goldsmith’s Company and a Board member of Sense about Science. In the past she has also been on the Boards of the Alan Turing Institute, Blavatnik School of Government in Oxford, Haberdasher Aske’s School (Elstree), Engineering UK, Charities Aid Foundation and The Faraday Institute.

Originally trained as a barrister at the Middle Temple, Julie combined a career as a practising lawyer with that of an academic, holding a number of senior academic positions, including those of Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Academic and other recognition Julie has received include a CBE (2017) and Honorary Degrees from the Universities of Huddersfield, Warwick, Canterbury, Hull and Bristol.

She is the author of several books and numerous articles concerned with trusts, equity, commercial and property law.

15:05-15:15
A life of crime: a career in forensic science

Abstract

As a forensic science practitioner, involved from crime scene to court, to an executive responsible for delivering a range of forensic science and medicine services to the judicial system, Anne’s career in operational forensic science spans 28 years. In her current role, Anne combines her extensive forensic science experience with skills developed through studying for a Master of Business Administration to ensure research outcomes align with operational requirements and to establish sustainability of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science into the future. Anne will discuss her journey through a varied and highly satisfying career in forensic science along with some of the challenges and rewards it has presented.

Speakers

Professor Anne Coxon

Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science

Professor Anne Coxon

Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science

Anne Coxon is the Professor of Practice in Forensic Science and Deputy Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) at the University of Dundee. Before coming to LRCFS in April 2023, Anne spent eight years at Forensic Science SA (FSSA) in Adelaide, Australia where, latterly, she was the Assistant Director Operations responsible for the delivery of forensic science and pathology services to the State of South Australia.  She has twenty years’ experience as a technical expert and science leader within the field of clandestine drug laboratories gained whilst working for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR) in New Zealand. Anne holds a PhD in Pure and Applied Chemistry from Strathclyde University in Glasgow and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Australia in Adelaide.

15:15-15:25
Evidence-based policing – combining efficacy and ethics in methods to prevent sexual violence

Abstract

Trigger warning: This talk mentions rape and serious sexual offences.

The use of science within Law Enforcement is usually considered within the context of pursuit and prosecution. Forensics, pathology, and the analysis of technical data are all applications of the scientific method which occur after a crime has happened.

However, the use of observation, hypotheses, experimentation, analysis, and evidence-gathering may also be applied to prevent criminal activity. James’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASSO) Problem Profile considered sexual violence in Avon and Somerset with a focus on preventative methods. Combining criminal theory and sociology with a peer-reviewed evidence base, James identified a series of tactics and opportunities to prevent sexual offences from happening. As well as the efficacy of these crime prevention methods, serious consideration was given to the ethical and social implications of the interventions suggested.

In this talk, James considers his use of the scientific method within crime prevention using rape and serious sexual offence prevention as a case study.

Speakers

James Beazley

Metropolitan Police

James Beazley

Metropolitan Police

James Beazley is a criminal intelligence analyst working for the Metropolitan Police in London. He currently works within the Serious & Organised Crime Command. James has worked on a range of criminal thematises including serious violence, firearm supply, and drug importation. James’ specialism, however, is the detection, prevention, and prosecution of sex crimes.

James wrote the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Problem Profile for Avon and Somerset Police and, last year, he co-authored the Met’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Problem Profile. James is a subject matter expert in sexual slavery and he runs workshops for constabularies around the UK in how to better tackle exploitative prostitution.

James’ work within the Police includes liaising with prosecution and defence lawyers and presenting evidence in Crown Court. Before working for the Police, James studied for a BSc in Physics and Philosophy at Bristol University.

15:25-15:35
Exploring the convergence of art and forensics: Journey from animation to forensics VR

Abstract

The presentation comprehensively examines the intersection between art and forensic science, tracing Sang-hun (Sean) Yu's remarkable transition from a career in 3D animation and visualisation to ground-breaking 3D forensic reconstructions. Explore the evolution of technology, encompassing everything from animation to advanced 3D modelling, capture, and virtual reality, which have dramatically reshaped traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The talk will delve into the current state of the art and show how this cutting-edge 3D visual technology is poised to shape the future of forensics.

Speakers

Sean Yu

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design

Sean Yu

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design

Sang-hun (Sean) Yu is a lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design while concurrently pursuing a PhD at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee, Scotland.

Before his academic career, he gained experience as an animator working on various animation projects and TV commercials, including his involvement in the Oscar-nominated animated feature film 'L'illusionniste' (The Illusionist), directed by Sylvain Chomet.

Sean is actively engaged in a collaborative VR project between Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design and the Leverhulme Research Centre in Forensics as part of his doctoral studies. One of his notable achievements includes the development of the Dundee Ground Truth Imaging Protocol, a systematic procedure for recording forensic scenes reconstructed in 3D rapidly and accurately.

15:35-15:55
Panel discussion and Q&A

Speakers

Professor Anne Coxon

Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science

Professor Anne Coxon

Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science

Anne Coxon is the Professor of Practice in Forensic Science and Deputy Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) at the University of Dundee. Before coming to LRCFS in April 2023, Anne spent eight years at Forensic Science SA (FSSA) in Adelaide, Australia where, latterly, she was the Assistant Director Operations responsible for the delivery of forensic science and pathology services to the State of South Australia.  She has twenty years’ experience as a technical expert and science leader within the field of clandestine drug laboratories gained whilst working for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR) in New Zealand. Anne holds a PhD in Pure and Applied Chemistry from Strathclyde University in Glasgow and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Australia in Adelaide.

James Beazley

Metropolitan Police

James Beazley

Metropolitan Police

James Beazley is a criminal intelligence analyst working for the Metropolitan Police in London. He currently works within the Serious & Organised Crime Command. James has worked on a range of criminal thematises including serious violence, firearm supply, and drug importation. James’ specialism, however, is the detection, prevention, and prosecution of sex crimes.

James wrote the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Problem Profile for Avon and Somerset Police and, last year, he co-authored the Met’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Problem Profile. James is a subject matter expert in sexual slavery and he runs workshops for constabularies around the UK in how to better tackle exploitative prostitution.

James’ work within the Police includes liaising with prosecution and defence lawyers and presenting evidence in Crown Court. Before working for the Police, James studied for a BSc in Physics and Philosophy at Bristol University.

Sean Yu

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design

Sean Yu

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design

Sang-hun (Sean) Yu is a lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design while concurrently pursuing a PhD at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee, Scotland.

Before his academic career, he gained experience as an animator working on various animation projects and TV commercials, including his involvement in the Oscar-nominated animated feature film 'L'illusionniste' (The Illusionist), directed by Sylvain Chomet.

Sean is actively engaged in a collaborative VR project between Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design and the Leverhulme Research Centre in Forensics as part of his doctoral studies. One of his notable achievements includes the development of the Dundee Ground Truth Imaging Protocol, a systematic procedure for recording forensic scenes reconstructed in 3D rapidly and accurately.

15:55-16:10
Break
16:10-16:55
Session 2: Using law to support science
4 talks

Chair

Dr Julie Maxton DBE

Executive Director, the Royal Society

Dr Julie Maxton DBE

Executive Director, the Royal Society

Dr Julie Maxton DBE is the Executive Director of the Royal Society, the first woman in 350 years to hold the post. Before taking up her position at the Royal Society in 2011 Julie was Registrar at the University of Oxford, the first woman in 550 years in the role.

She is an Honorary Fellow of University College Oxford, a Bencher of the Middle Temple, a Freeman of the Goldsmith’s Company and a Board member of Sense about Science. In the past she has also been on the Boards of the Alan Turing Institute, Blavatnik School of Government in Oxford, Haberdasher Aske’s School (Elstree), Engineering UK, Charities Aid Foundation and The Faraday Institute.

Originally trained as a barrister at the Middle Temple, Julie combined a career as a practising lawyer with that of an academic, holding a number of senior academic positions, including those of Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Academic and other recognition Julie has received include a CBE (2017) and Honorary Degrees from the Universities of Huddersfield, Warwick, Canterbury, Hull and Bristol.

She is the author of several books and numerous articles concerned with trusts, equity, commercial and property law.

16:10-16:20
Pipettes to patents

Abstract

This talk will look at the journey from scientist to patent attorney and how patent law can be used to protect innovations as a mechanism to translate science from bench to the world.

Speakers

Dr Sara Holland

Potter Clarkson LLP

Dr Sara Holland

Potter Clarkson LLP

Sara completed a PhD in chromosome engineering before working as a postdoctoral researcher for eight years in yeast molecular biology. She has been at Potter Clarkson as a patent attorney for the past ten years, working mostly with scientist founders and SMEs in biotechnology, with a particular focus on synthetic biology. Because of her academic background, she is keen to increase knowledge of IP and the crucial role it plays in getting our research out of the lab into the real world.

16:20-16:30
Using law to protect the environment

Abstract

This talk will cover what being an environmental law barrister involves, with case examples demonstrating that a solid grounding in a scientific or technical discipline can be very useful for a career at the Bar.

Speakers

Dr Alex Shattock

Landmark Chambers

Dr Alex Shattock

Landmark Chambers

Dr Alex Shattock is a barrister at Landmark Chambers specialising in environmental law, public law and human rights. He has assisted many of the major environmental NGOs in the UK, and has been involved in numerous environmental legal challenges to the government and the fossil fuel industry. His work covers a wide range of topics, which often have a technical or scientific aspect: such as carbon emissions, sewage and agricultural pollution, genetically modified organisms, pesticide licensing, biodiversity, and urban planning. He has a PhD in public international law.

16:30-16:40
Talk title to be confirmed

Speakers

Kate Beaujeux

AstraZeneca

Kate Beaujeux

AstraZeneca

16:40-17:00
Panel discussion and Q&A

Speakers

Dr Sara Holland

Potter Clarkson LLP

Dr Sara Holland

Potter Clarkson LLP

Sara completed a PhD in chromosome engineering before working as a postdoctoral researcher for eight years in yeast molecular biology. She has been at Potter Clarkson as a patent attorney for the past ten years, working mostly with scientist founders and SMEs in biotechnology, with a particular focus on synthetic biology. Because of her academic background, she is keen to increase knowledge of IP and the crucial role it plays in getting our research out of the lab into the real world.

Dr Alex Shattock

Landmark Chambers

Dr Alex Shattock

Landmark Chambers

Dr Alex Shattock is a barrister at Landmark Chambers specialising in environmental law, public law and human rights. He has assisted many of the major environmental NGOs in the UK, and has been involved in numerous environmental legal challenges to the government and the fossil fuel industry. His work covers a wide range of topics, which often have a technical or scientific aspect: such as carbon emissions, sewage and agricultural pollution, genetically modified organisms, pesticide licensing, biodiversity, and urban planning. He has a PhD in public international law.

Kate Beaujeux

AstraZeneca

Kate Beaujeux

AstraZeneca

16:55-17:00
Closing remarks
16:55-17:00
Closing remarks

Speakers

Dr Julie Maxton DBE

Executive Director, the Royal Society

Dr Julie Maxton DBE

Executive Director, the Royal Society

Dr Julie Maxton DBE is the Executive Director of the Royal Society, the first woman in 350 years to hold the post. Before taking up her position at the Royal Society in 2011 Julie was Registrar at the University of Oxford, the first woman in 550 years in the role.

She is an Honorary Fellow of University College Oxford, a Bencher of the Middle Temple, a Freeman of the Goldsmith’s Company and a Board member of Sense about Science. In the past she has also been on the Boards of the Alan Turing Institute, Blavatnik School of Government in Oxford, Haberdasher Aske’s School (Elstree), Engineering UK, Charities Aid Foundation and The Faraday Institute.

Originally trained as a barrister at the Middle Temple, Julie combined a career as a practising lawyer with that of an academic, holding a number of senior academic positions, including those of Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Academic and other recognition Julie has received include a CBE (2017) and Honorary Degrees from the Universities of Huddersfield, Warwick, Canterbury, Hull and Bristol.

She is the author of several books and numerous articles concerned with trusts, equity, commercial and property law.

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