EAFS 2025: Sharing Our Research in Dublin

At the end of May, two of our brilliant team members—Dr Emma Johnston (De Montfort University) and Dr Maria Maclennan (The University of Edinburgh)—headed to Dublin for the European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS) Conference 2025. Held from 26–30 May, this prestigious event brought together forensic science professionals, researchers, and innovators from across Europe and beyond.

Emma and Maria took to the stage to introduce our project to an international audience, and their presentation was met with enthusiasm and curiosity. They unpacked the methodological innovation behind our work, showcasing how we’re blending qualitative interviews, public surveys, and focus groups to build a rich, multifaceted understanding of the issues at hand. It was a great opportunity to demonstrate how these different data collection methods complement each other and strengthen the overall research.

One of the most exciting parts of their talk focused on our co-design approach. By working directly with stakeholders and communities, we’re shaping the research process collaboratively—ensuring that the voices of those most affected are not only heard but actively involved. This not only enhances the quality of our data but also grounds the project in real-world relevance.

The session sparked lively conversations with delegates from across Europe, many of whom shared their own experiences and insights. It was a powerful reminder of the value of combining social science, forensic practice, and design thinking to explore complex questions around trust and justice in forensic science.

We’re incredibly proud to have had the chance to share our work at EAFS 2025 and to connect with so many passionate colleagues. Events like this reaffirm why we do what we do—and inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of forensic science research.

You can see the presentation (PPT, 23Mb).