Independent student research projects: Opportunities to promote co-creation and collaboration

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences - Intrepid Conference 2018 This presentation will detail a novel approach incorporating a student research group to focus on the interdisciplinary subjects of blood pattern analysis, fingermarks and footwear marks. By investigating three areas of commonality: surface porosity, environmental conditions and IR/UV visualisation techniques this has maximised research outputs.Results include successfully developing fingermarks exposed to varied conditions (pH, temperature, humidity, differing soils, waters). Directional footwear mark movements in blood and aged blood stains will provide essential assistance at crime scenes. Frequent briefings with progress updates have enabled the students to develop a cohesive strategy for the group whilst embedding reflection with future target setting. Ultimately, this co-creation and collaboration has resulted in a pedagogic paradigm shift through student led research and research informed teaching.Therefore, it is evident that this model would be of paramount importance for others in forensic science academia, in addition to potential collaborators within industry.