Prof Ruth Morgan

Research summary

Professor Ruth Morgan is an interdisciplinary scientist. Her work has two main areas of focus; the role of science in the justice system and the evaluation and communication of science in policy more broadly.

Professor Ruth Morgan’s research group is focused on the role of science evidence in the detection of crime and concerns the interpretation of forensic evidence and intelligence.  The research falls into two main areas; evidence dynamics and the interpretation of evidence.  

We are actively seeking to establish empirical evidence bases for understanding the evidence dynamics of trace materials (soil, sediment, pollen, DNA, gun-shot residue, explosives etc.) for their use as intelligence and evidence.  We are also conducting research that addresses the need to develop our understanding of decision-making and the interaction of multiple variables in crime investigation and detection.  We bring these two areas together in order to be developing an evidence base to enhance our ability to interpret the analysis of forensic materials more effectively, and to generate valuable and robust intelligence and evidence.

Recent projects have included:

• Developing automated approaches for establishing trace evidence dynamics for crime reconstruction approaches
• Addressing the creation of empirical bases for the development of frameworks that illustrate the interaction of different types of evidence and develop probabilistic approaches for assessing the weight of evidence.
• Establishing how contextual information influences decision making at every stage of the forensic science process and how it can impact what we ultimately understand the evidence to mean.
• Engaging science and policy with a consideration of forensic science as a holistic process (crime scene to court). 
• Considering innovative engagement (across disciplines and beyond the academy) and the role of creativity in the co-creation and production of knowledge.

Ruth has been the co-recipient of the Chartered Society for the Forensic Sciences' PW Allen Award for best research 3 times (2006, 2016, 2018).  Her research is regularly presented at international conferences and featured in popular media.

Teaching summary

Professor Ruth Morgan created the MSc Crime and Forensic Science that launched in 2012. This programme is based upon the leading research taking place at UCL in collaboration with our external collaborators.  The course uniquely addresses forensic science in the context of crime science.  The programme develops themes that cut across the entire forensic science process from the crime scene and evidence identification and collection, to the analysis of the evidence, the interpretation of intelligence and evidence, and the presentation of evidence in court.  The programme draws on expertise from a wide range of industry partners.

Ruth has convened a number of modules including ‘Presenting Evidence’, 'Crime Scene Investigation', 'The Interpretation of Forensic Evidence', 'Case Assessment and Interpretation for Forensic Scientists' (in collaboration with Principal Forensic Services), 'Forensic Geoscience', 'Investigation and Detection' and 'Forensic Science'.  She teaches on the MSc Crime and Forensic Science, MSc Countering Organised Crime and Terrorism, MSc Crime Science. 

Ruth won a Provost's Teaching Prize in 2015.  She was also part of the group that put together the QAA benchmark statement for Forensic Science and acts as External Examiner in the UK and internationally. 

Education

Other Postgraduate qualification (including professional), ATQ02 - Recognised by the HEA as an Associate Fellow | 2016

University of Oxford

Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 2006

Hertford College Oxford

Other higher degree, MA Oxon | 2006

Hertford College Oxford

First Degree, Bachelor of Arts | 2002

Publications

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