‘Citizen Jurors’ sought to influence the future of forensic science research

Published On Thu 15 Aug 2019 by Grant Hill

Members of the public are being sought to help and support the way in which the University of Dundee’s world-leading forensic science research is planned, conducted and communicated.

The University’s Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) is looking for people from in and around the Dundee area to sign up for its newly established ‘Citizens’ Jury’.

Members of the Citizens' Jury will work with LRCFS scientists helping to ensure that the communication of forensic science to the public is understandable. They will also have the opportunity to test and frame some of the Centre’s citizen science research projects along with putting forward ideas for public events and activities.

The Centre aims to improve the standards of science underpinning the evidence presented in courts and works closely with stakeholders across the justice system including the judiciary, forensic scientists and the police.

Heather Doran, public engagement manager at LRCFS, said she hoped to hear from potential participants from all areas of the city and from all backgrounds.

“It is really important that the Citizen’s Jury is representative of the people we are looking to reach with our engagement work,” she said. “We want to involve people in the work we do and make sure that the science used in our courts is accessible to everyone because justice is everyone’s responsibility.”

Membership of the LRCFS Citizen’s Jury is open to anyone over 16 living in or around Dundee. Successful applicants will be asked to attend meetings every few months to give their perspective on the Centre’s work. Training and support will be provided, and all travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. Jurors will typically be involved for 12-18 months.

For more information, or to apply to become a member of the LRCFS Citizen’s Jury, please visit https://www.dundee.ac.uk/leverhulme/citizenscience/details/citizens-jury.php.

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Grant Hill
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University of Dundee
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Email: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk