Over a week in May, the team visited five schools in the region, including Samuel Whitbread Academy and the Bedford Academy, to demonstrate a variety of crime scenarios and forensic techniques for evidence gathering – encouraging students to think about a career in the field.

Led by Dr Vicki Barlow, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science with the School of Life Sciences, students taking part in the mock activity were briefed on a scenario, assigned CSI roles and walked through a simulated, realistic crime scene.

Speaking about the experience for students, Dr Barlow commented: “We've all enjoyed getting out to meet students across our local counties all of whom engaged really well with our simulated crime scene activity. Forensics makes such clever use of the traditional science subjects, and hopefully this hands-on experience has inspired some to look into this field as a career.”

This roadshow is an annual activity, designed to provide local school students with a taste of what a career in forensic science is like and giving them hands-on, practical experience of the industry, led by academics who have extensive knowledge and experience of the profession.

Julie McMillan, Lead Staff Member at Bedford Academy, said: “The University of Bedfordshire set up its very own crime scene at Bedford Academy for our Year 12 students to investigate.  It was a very interactive session with all the students allocated a job role and equipped with the relevant PPE to make it very realistic.  A fantastic time was had by all the groups that attended and it gave them a real insight into what it takes to be a crime scene investigator.”

A student studying at the Bedford Academy added: “The workshop was very fun and interactive and I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this workshop as it gave me the chance to learn more about forensics and the processes involved in examining crime scenes.”  

The student recruitment team at the University of Bedfordshire regularly run a number of free events designed to give prospective students an insight into potential degree options and study opportunities. This roadshow is just another example of their ongoing community work to highlight the University as a place to thrive and succeed.

David Seaton, Assistant Director of Student Recruitment & Admissions, commented: “The University of Bedfordshire is committed to supporting local schools and colleges to inspire their young people to access higher education. We have a dedicated team who, alongside our academic community, work to support young people at every stage of their journey towards university study.

“Our Forensic Science Roadshow is a fantastic example which demonstrates the opportunities available for over 18s here at the University of Bedfordshire, and introduces students to the methods of teaching adopted within our courses.”