Limited Spaces Available – New Dates Coming Soon
Live, Interactive Online Training for Professionals
Live sessions only | No recordings available.
The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee collaborated with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, USA, to proudly offer an intensive online training course, bringing together best practice from science communication training and research tailored for forensic scientists and expert witnesses.
Spaces are limited. All sessions are delivered live and your participation is essential to maximise individual feedback and skill development.
Learn by doing: fully live, fully interactive.
Why This Course?
Courtrooms demand more than technical skill.
Forensic Professionals and Expert Witnesses must communicate complex evidence clearly, handle pressure, and respond convincingly under cross‑examination.
This course focuses on how you communicate, not just what you say.
It shows how you can equip yourself with practical, courtroom-ready skills.
What You’ll Learn, Through Doing!
Using proven techniques drawn from improvisation and performance-based learning, participants will engage through expertly structured, hands‑on exercises.
Over the three sessions you will learn effective communication skills allowing you to:
- Explain the theory and principles underpinning effective science communication, including the role of empathy and audience‑centred approaches in supporting understanding.
- Identify and select appropriate science communication techniques and tools to support the clear communication of scientific concepts.
- Apply and demonstrate science communication techniques in a forensic science context, effectively communicating subject‑specific information in a clear, accessible language.
These sessions will run from: Tuesday 17th March – Thursday 19th March 2026.
Session 1 – Communication Skills
Date: Tuesday tbc, Time: 15:00 – 17:00 (GMT).
Session 2 – Tools and Techniques
Date: Wednesday tbc, Time: 15:00 – 17:30 (GMT).
Session 3 – Presenting Evidence
Date: Thursday tbc, Time: 15:00 – 17:00 (GMT).
The course is designed to take approximately 10 hours in total. This includes time for attending sessions and completing the assignment, ensuring you have sufficient opportunity to engage with the content and balance other commitments.
Every element of the course is interactive, ensuring active practice rather than observation.
Meet your Instructors
Dr Heather Doran
Public Engagement Manager
Heather Doran is the Public Engagement Manager at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee. She joined the Centre soon after it was established and led the creation of the Public Engagement Strategy. The Centre was recognised in 2019 with a Gold Award from the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement.
The Centre engages with multiple audiences including members of the public, schools and all parts of the justice system through a variety of methods including publications, virtual games, experiences and classroom sessions.
The Centre has contributed to science festivals around the UK and publishes a popular podcast (Inside Forensic Science).
Professor Anne Coxon, PhD, MBA, GAICD
Professor of Practice in Forensic Science and Deputy Director
Before coming to LRCFS in April 2023, Anne spent eight years at Forensic Science SA (FSSA) in Adelaide, Australia where, latterly, she was the Assistant Director Operations responsible for the delivery of forensic science and pathology services to the State of South Australia.
She has twenty years’ experience as a technical expert and science leader within the field of clandestine drug laboratories gained whilst working for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR) in New Zealand. During this time, Anne built extensive experience in presenting evidence to the Courts in both written form and in-person.
FAQ’s
- Speak with confidence and authority during testimony
- Explain complex forensic concepts in clear, accessible language
- Respond effectively to challenging questions
- Stay calm, composed, and adaptable under pressure
- Build trust and credibility with judges, juries, and legal professionals
Places are limited.
Register your interest!
✓ Designed and Delivered by Experts
✓ Interactive, hands-on learning experience
✓ Places are limited
✓ Live Online Sessions (no recordings)
