Building scientific rigour in forensic evidence: An interview with Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, University of Dundee

Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, award-winning forensic chemist, Chair of Forensic Science and Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee’s School of Science and Engineering, discusses the importance of scientific robustness in legal contexts. In this interview, recorded at the Leica Geosystems Public Safety Conference 2025, she shares how her team collaborates with practitioners to ensure that technologies like virtual reality are introduced into the courtroom with care, credibility, and scientific integrity. 

This interview features Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, Chair of Forensic Science and Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee’s School of Science and Engineering, as she shares her perspective on the evolving relationship between science and justice

Speaking at the Leica Geosystems Public Safety Conference in Portsmouth, UK, in February 2025, Professor Nic Daeid discussed the Centre’s mission to strengthen the scientific foundations of forensic evidence presented in courtrooms. With a focus on virtual reality as a tool for both crime scene investigation and courtroom presentation, she emphasised the importance of introducing such technologies with scientific rigour, transparency, and care.

The interview examines the Centre’s collaborative approach, which involves working closely with police, forensic scientists, legal professionals, and the judiciary to develop innovative and legally sound use cases. Professor Nic Daeid emphasises the need to avoid bias, overreliance on visual impact, and the risks of underestimating or overestimating the capabilities of immersive tools.

With extensive experience in forensic chemistry, crime, fire, and forensic investigation, as well as international advisory roles, Professor Nic Daeid offers a unique perspective grounded in science, shaped by practice, and committed to supporting justice through evidence-based research.

Customer: Professor Niamh Nic Daeid

Chair of Forensic Science 
Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science 
Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering

Email: n.nicdaeid@dundee.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1382 384560
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/people/niamh-nic-daeid