Presenters/Facilitators:Prof Niamh Nic Daeid & Mr Vincenzo Rinaldi (Leverhulme Centre of Forensic Sciences, UK)

Date: 3rd Dec 2025 | Time: 2:30 - 4:30 PM

Cost: 200

Target Audience:forensic practitioners; forensic scientists; students attending forensic science programs; academic researcher/lecturer

Prerequisites: None

Maximum Participants: 60

Description:

The ability of a crime scene investigator to carry out the scientific and diagnostic endeavor of analyzing the scene of a crime relies on scientific knowledge, investigative methodology and logical reasoning. The competence of making observations, formulating and testing hypotheses is underpinned by a systematic, evidence-based and unbiased approach developed through education and accredited training. Bespoke continuous professional development and on-the-job experience are fundamental to maintaining high standards of technical knowledge and professionalism, while also encouraging greater collaboration. In recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual reality (VR) has been proven to provide solutions for increasing engagement and knowledge.

Notwithstanding the technical improvements, cost reduction and the increased adoption of VR systems, this technology presents risks that must be accounted for to become a fit-for-purpose instrument.

This workshop will explain the importance of having a scientific approach to the development of VR tools for forensic science. We will explore a new approach to image crime scenes using inexpensive, off-the-shelves devices, and how these images can be developed into crime scene representations. Participants will learn the risks and pitfalls associated with premature implementation of this technology, such as oversimplification, excessive gamification and bias.

The workshop will show the diverse use cases that can benefit from its utilisation, including but not limited to education, and training, with particular emphasis on the application of immersive VR technologies as an operational tool.