True crime meets cutting-edge science as Aberdeen Science Festival returns this month, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of forensic investigation.
Running until September 27, the festival, powered by TechFest, promises another unforgettable celebration of science and technology.
Following a fantastic response in 2024, the 2025 edition - sponsored by Equinor and supported by Shell UK and bp - brings an even bigger programme of insightful and thought-provoking events.
One of this year’s major highlights for true crime fans and curious minds alike are two unmissable sessions hosted by Professor Lorna Dawson, Head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Forensic Science at The James Hutton Institute and Professor at RGU.
With more than 30 years of experience in managing and conducting research in soils and plant interactions, particularly its application in the criminal justice system, she will be sharing her knowledge with festival audiences.
The first of Prof Dawson’s sessions, entitled ‘Murder at the Boutique Hotel’, is real-life Cluedo meets CSI. Participants can work out how, where, when and who by investigating a Lego© crime scene. This session is already fully booked.
Later in the day at 7pm, the festival dives even deeper into the science with ‘From Crime Scene to Court’ - an adults-only event exploring the topic of identifying suspects when only trace amounts of biomaterial are recovered.
It will feature cutting edge science as part of the project, with SCAnDi project collaborators also part of the line-up.
Attendees will get up close with single cell sorting, Artificial Intelligence, 3D printing and whole genome sequencing, to determine the who, what, where and when of a fictional crime.
Fiona Stalker, BBC journalist and reporter, will lead the investigation and chair an interactive panel debate after the case is investigated where the audience will get the opportunity to ask questions to the forensic scientists.
Both events will take place at The James Hutton Institute on Monday, September 22.
Professor Lorna Dawson said: “Taking on not one but two workshops at this year’s Aberdeen Science Festival and getting to share knowledge with an engaged audience is a dream come true. The sessions will offer a fun and informative look at how science helps solve real crimes. I hope that attendees leave my workshops feeling inspired, having learnt something new, and gained insight into the role plants and soil can play in forensic science.”
Similarly, Stop the Bleed: Code Red, presented by Dr Gael Morrow from Robert Gordon University, will explore what causes massive blood loss after a traumatic injury and the latest advancements in treatments.
This biology-focused session will be held at the University of Aberdeen’s Fraser Noble Building on Tuesday, September 23 at 7.30pm.
Dr Martha Gavan, managing director of TechFest, said: “Forensic science captures the public’s imagination, and this year’s festival offers a rare opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes. Professor Lorna Dawson’s incredible expertise will give attendees a first-hand look at the fascinating forensic methods used to solve even the most complex of crimes.
“On the back of the success of the Tall Ships, we’re hoping that people feel encouraged to make the journey to the city centre for a fun night out. Whether you are a science whizz, true crime fanatic, or space-curious, there is an event on our programme for you.”
The festival is comprised of many more exciting events held across the city in venues such as The Lemon Tree, OGV Taproom, Sir Duncan Rice Library, The Blue Lamp and Portsoy Bothy Museum.
Tickets for each of the Aberdeen Science Festival events are on sale now, with prices ranging from £3 to £10 and with some free events available.
To book tickets for any of the events on the programme, visit https://techfest.org.uk/festival/aberdeen-science-festival