Crime show stars investigate University’s forensic centre

Published On Fri 5 Jul 2019 by Jonathan Watson

There was evidence of stardust at the University of Dundee today as the team behind a major crime series visited campus.

The cast and crew of Traces visited the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) as filming for the six-part drama continues in the city.

The invite to the Centre was extended by its Director, Professor Niamh Nic Daéid, who is a scientific advisor to the show, headlined by Line of Duty actor Martin Compston. He was joined by fellow star Molly Windsor for the visit, which coincided with a celebration to mark the third anniversary of the Centre’s opening.

Professor Nic Daéid said that assisting high-profile productions was just one way in which the LRCFS was helping to improve the way that forensic science is communicated to the public.

She said, “It is a real pleasure to work with Amelia Bullmore, the writer of Traces, as well as the cast and the production team from RED Production Company and, of course, Val McDermid, who came up with the idea. We are working with the team to show some of the real science behind the forensic science showcased in this exciting new series.”  

The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science was established at the University of Dundee with a £10million award from the Leverhulme Trust. Its mission is to raise standards and promote a realistic understanding of forensic science, while identifying new opportunities to improve its value in the criminal justice system. Professor Nic Daeid also leads the development of 'Just Tech', a new Institute of Innovation for forensic science for Dundee and a sister project to the LRCFS which is to be funded through the Tay Cities Regional Deal.

The Traces crew have been filming in Dundee all week with the series following the work of the fictitious Scottish Institute of Forensic Science. The programme is scheduled to air on the Alibi channel later this year.

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Jonathan Watson
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University of Dundee
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Email: j.s.watson@dundee.ac.uk