Nature’s Data: Harnessing Biological and Environmental Intelligence for Modern Forensics

02 Jul 2026
Theatre 1
Biological, ecological, soil and landscape data represent an emerging form of “big data” with significant potential to transform criminal investigations and strengthen humanitarian recovery, investigation of war crimes as well as national and global security. Advances in environmental DNA (eDNA), biodiversity databases, geospatial mapping and ecological monitoring are enabling investigators to extract, analyse and evaluate valuable intelligence from natural environments. This seminar explores how biological and environmental datasets can be analysed alongside traditional forensic intelligence and evidence to identify locations, track movements, detect environmental traces and support investigative decision-making and the prioritisation of collection of trace evidence. Experts will discuss current and developing capabilities, real-world applications and the future role of ecological intelligence in policing, border protection and security operations.
Chairperson
Mark Spencer
Mark Spencer, Forensic Botanist
Speakers
Dame Lorna Dawson DBE
Dame Lorna Dawson DBE, Head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science - James Hutton Institute
Komang Ralebitso Senior
Komang Ralebitso Senior, Reader in Microbial Ecology - Liverpool John Moores University
Alistair Vannan
Alistair Vannan, Senior Forensic Reporting Scientist, Forensic Archaeology Science Lead - Cellmark Forensic Services, Specialist Forensic Services, Chorley Laboratory