Professor Martin Evison
S
ociety Position: President
Qualifications/Postnominals: BSc MSc PhD FCSFS
Professional Background
Martin Evison graduated in genetics from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1982. After a period of graduate study, work and travel in New Zealand and Australia, he pursued a six-year professional career in computing. He returned to academia in 1992 completing the MSc in Environmental Archaeology at Sheffield University. Martin’s academic background in genetics and archaeology allowed him to continue to doctoral research in low-template DNA analysis in a project co-supervised with Trent Centre, National Blood Service. His work included a comprehensive statistical study of the patterns of intrusive contamination of DNA encountered when using extended-cycle PCR. Martin’s knowledge of computer systems led him to join a research project in computerised forensic facial reconstruction with the Department of Forensic Pathology at Sheffield Medico-Legal Centre, where he developed early Internet-based visualisation models. Analysis of skeletal material reported to the Centre led him to develop a practice in that area and, with the kind support of colleagues in the Department he was able to establish a research group in human identification, which undertook a range of scientific projects and consultancy work.
In 2005, Martin joined the University of Toronto as Director of the Forensic Science Program—the longest standing forensic science degree programme in Canada. In 2010, he returned to the UK to direct Northumbria University Centre for Forensic Science—a highly-interdisciplinary research group successfully returned to the UK Research Excellence Framework in 2014. Martin has undertaken case work in forensic facial comparison, forensic archaeology and anthropology, and where innocent transfer or contamination of DNA is in issue; and has accepted similar numbers of instructions from prosecution and defence. He has contributed to humanitarian work in Kenya , Kosovo and Brazil—where he collaborates with colleagues investigating alleged human rights abuses of the military governments of 1964 to 1985.
CSFS Background
Professor Evison joined the Society in 1998 and became a Fellow in 2014. He has presented at several CSFS conferences, including opening the 50th Anniversary Autumn conference in 2009 in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal.
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