“CSI: Geoscience” took place as a public outreach initiative, designed to explore how every contact leaves a trace. The programme explored the geoscientific techniques that help to uncover hidden clues with leading forensic experts explaining how they unravel scientific and investigative mysteries.
The programme of events included three school webinars and a Public Lecture, welcoming everyone into the world of forensic geoscience and celebrating how investigative geoscientists are making a difference to society.
"CSI Geoscience" (18-26 February 2026) was organised in collaboration with the Forensic Geoscience Group of the Geological Society.
Webinars for Key Stage 3 students
These three free webinars for Key Stage 3 students (aged 11-14) relate to forensic geoscience, and can help teachers and home educators demonstrate how geoscience connects across subjects in unexpected and exciting ways. They are ideal for classroom viewing or enrichment activities.
- The Black Death and its social and economic impact.
- Challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day – World War 1 and 2.
Human and Physical Geography:
- understand how human and physical processes interact to influence, and change landscapes, environments.
Geographical Skills and Fieldwork:
- use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to view, analyse and interpret places and data.
Aims
- Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Working Scientifically – Scientific attitudes
- Understand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified to take account of new evidence and ideas.
- Pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility.
Working Scientifically – Experimental skills and investigations:
- Use appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during fieldwork and laboratory work.
Chemistry - Earth and Atmosphere:
- The rock cycle and the formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
- The composition of the Earth.
Public Lecture
Dame Professor Lorna Dawson delivered the online Public Lecture 'Natural justice: How nature delivers to the criminal justice system', in which she discussed the development of forensic geoscience, and how soil and related environmental information and data can assist the criminal justice system and the police.