Crime experts debate soil science

Soil evidence has been used in high profile criminal trials

The role soil plays in solving crime is being discussed by forensic professionals in Edinburgh.

The conference, organised by Aberdeen's Macaulay Institute, brings together over 120 experts from across the globe.

They are expected to discuss the benefits of the latest forensic soil-science research.

Soil evidence used in criminal trials such as the Soham and Sarah Payne murders will also be presented by the experts who worked on the cases.

Those attending the Soil Forensics International Conference work in the fields of science, policing, forensic services as well as private industries.

It has been possible to provide compelling evidence in linking offenders with crime scenes Dr Lorna Dawson Macaulay Institute

The three-day meeting at Heriot-Watt University will focus on the role of the relatively new field of soil forensics in high priority areas as diverse as environmental health and international terrorism.

Dr Lorna Dawson, head of soil forensic research at the Macaulay Institute, said: "In recent years, the disciplines of soil forensics have proved to be invaluable tools for the criminal and environmental investigator.

"It has been possible to provide compelling evidence in linking offenders with crime scenes, in finding the graves of murder victims, and tracing sources of environmental pollution or food contamination.

"This conference brings together those responsible for these ground-breaking scientific developments with those at the forefront of solving criminal and environmental cases."

In addition to the conference, a "Murder Mystery and Microscopes" evening is being held at Our Dynamic Earth, where leading crime writers including Ian Rankin will dine with delegates and speakers to gain insights from some of the world's most renowned forensic experts and police professionals.

There will also be a public lecture by Professor James Robertson, the Scottish head of forensic services with the Australian Police.