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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.

Schedule

15:00-15:05
Welcome

Speakers

Professor Sarah Skerratt

Royal Society of Edinburgh


Chair

Professor Sarah Skerratt

Royal Society of Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

Speakers

Professor Anne Coxon

Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science

James Beazley

Metropolitan Police

Sean Yu

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design


Chair

Professor Sarah Skerratt

Royal Society of Edinburgh

16:10-16:20
Pipettes to patents

Abstract

This talk will look at the journey from scientists 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

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

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

Speakers

Kate Beaujeux

AstraZeneca

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

Speakers

Dr Sara Holland

Potter Clarkson LLP

Dr Alex Shattock

Landmark Chambers

Kate Beaujeux

AstraZeneca

16:55-17:00
Closing remarks

Speakers

Professor Sarah Skerratt

Royal Society of Edinburgh

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