An un-missable evening for fans of crime fiction and crime dramas as well as those with an interest in forensic science is taking place at The Informatics Forum as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival next week (Tuesday 13 April).

‘Murder, Mystery & Microscopes’ will give adults who have an interest in forensics the chance to hear from some of the most high-profile and knowledgeable experts in the field as the work of North-east crime writer Stuart MacBride is put under the microscope by a group of real-life CSIs.

Separating crime fiction from crime fact will be forensics expert Professor Dave Barclay from The Robert Gordon University, Dr Lorna Dawson, Head of Soil Forensic Science at the Aberdeen based Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, and Dr James Grieve, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Pathology at the University of Aberdeen and a Police Forensic Pathologist.

Professor Dave Barclay, Former Head of Physical Evidence for the UK National Crime and Operations Faculty, has been involved in reviewing more than 200 murder investigations, cold case reviews and inquiries into alleged miscarriages of justice. These include the Bloody Sunday inquiry, the Omagh bombing, the World’s End murders in Edinburgh, and the Millie Dowler and Soham murders.

He explained: “We are hoping to explode a few myths of how Hollywood doesn’t always get the science right and see whether Stuart MacBride does. The event will also allow me to demonstrate a bit of real science and give an insight into the exciting nature of studying forensics.”

Dr Lorna Dawson, a Principal Soil Scientist at the Macaulay Institute, will also be providing expert input at the event. With over 20 years experience in conducting and managing research and application in soil-plant interactions, one of the main focuses of her work is the research and application of soil and vegetation information in forensic case work, and she has recently advised writers of BBC’s “Silent Witness” on forensic soil analysis for a murder storyline.

Lorna explained: “The ‘Murder, Mystery and Microscopes’ event aims to inform and entertain people about the science behind fictional crime by bringing together crime authors and forensic experts. We hope to provoke some captivating conversations, intrigue, amuse and enlighten everyone who attends.”

Dr James Grieve, a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Medicine at the University of Aberdeen and a Police Forensic Pathologist for the North-east, will also be taking part in the event. His background in carrying out numerous post-mortem investigations and giving evidence at Fatal Accident Inquiries will complete the expert puzzle.

He said: “The event is designed to raise public understanding of the science which underpins forensics investigations, both in the real world and in crime fiction.”

The event is being held at The Informatics Forum, based at the University of Edinburgh’s main campus on Tuesday 13th April at 7.30pm. Tickets are now available priced at £7 for adults and £5 for concessions and can be purchased in advance through the Edinburgh Science Festival website: www.sciencefestival.co.uk.

ENDS

Information for Editors

Stuart MacBride has been described as “the most exciting thing to happen in British crime fiction in the last ten years” His first book Cold Granite was shortlisted for the International Thriller Writers best debut novel, Theakston’s Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year Award and the International Thriller Writer?s best debut novel award, and won the Barry Award for best first novel. The follow-ups, Dying Light and Broken Skin, were both Top Ten bestsellers. Broken Skin won the ITV3 Crime Thriller Award for Breakthrough Author of the Year. Stuart also won the 2007 CWA Dagger in the Library, awarded for a body of work.

Stuart lives in northeast Scotland and Dark Blood, the sixth book in his Logan McRae series, is due to be published May 2010.

Professor Dave Barclay is a world renowned forensics expert and Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.

Dr Lorna Dawson is a Principal Soil Scientist in the Soils Group at the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, and has over 20 years experience in conducting and managing research and application in soil-plant interactions.

One of the main current thrusts of her work is in the research and application of soil and vegetation information in forensic case work, in both the investigative and evaluative phases of police investigations. She is Head of Soil Forensic Science at the Macaulay Institute and a co-coordinator of an international geoforensic network, which brings together geoscientists, forensic scientists, police practitioners, statisticians and lawyers.

Dr James Grieve is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Medicine at the Department of Pathology at the University of Aberdeen and a Police Forensic Pathologist for the North East and Grampian area. He has carried out numerous post-mortem investigations including sudden unexpected natural events, suicides, homicides and accidents, as well as deaths possibly resulting from medical mishap. He regularly gives evidence in the criminal courts and at Fatal Accident Inquiries.