GMIT hosts public lecture on forensic science (Tuesday 26 November)

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) will host a public seminar on forensic science on Tuesday 26 November (7pm) by Dr Sheila Willis, Director General of Eolaíocht Fhóiréinseach Éireann (EFÉ), the Forensic Science Laboratory, and Dr Seán O’Muircheartaigh of GMIT. This event is hosted by the GMIT Chemistry Society and is part of the Galway Science and Technology Festival (Forum) 2013.

Dr Willis will discuss forensics and the investigation of crime, and how the laboratory helps to serve the administration of justice in an effective manner to international standards. 

Dr O’Muircheartaigh will discuss how forensic science works. He will explain how the application of scientific principles enabled him to explain the correct interpretation of the forensic evidence which convicted the Birmingham Six.  As a result of this work, the forensic evidence was withdrawn by the British Authorities, leading to the release of the men.

Dr O’Muircheartaigh says “The public lecture promises to be a very interesting event for anyone interested in crime and forensics. Forensic Science deals not only with criminal cases such as poisonings and crime but also civil cases in areas such as environmental monitoring, validation, and health and safety.”

“In fact most of our work here in the college deals with optimising chemical processes for local industry across a range of sectors. This is a unique opportunity to hear about a number of interesting high-profile cases but also to hear about the basics of forensic science and how law and science interact.”

The event will take place in Theatre 1000, GMIT’s Galway (Dublin Road) campus, from 7pm to 8.30pm. The lecture is open to the public and admission is free.