Leading Global Forensics Expertise

With a reputation that stretches around the world, Staffordshire University’s forensics expert, Dr Roger Summers, is renowned for his skills in establishing victim identification protocols following international tragedies.

Helping relatives to find closure, Dr Summers played a fundamental role in the identification of thousands of victims following the 2004 Boxing Day Asian Tsunami.

More recently, in January 2010, he was called upon by the Lebanese authorities and Ethiopian Airlines to lead the disaster victim identification protocols following the loss of a Boeing 737-800 over the Mediterranean. He also acted as forensic liaison between all countries involved and plans to utilise the experiences gained for the benefit of his students.

Before joining Staffordshire University, Dr Summers worked as a Director of Forensic Services for the Police and as a Forensic Advisor to a Deputy Chief Constable. He also contributed towards American legal history through the preparation of ‘bite mark’ evidence that helped lead to the successful prosecution of a rapist-murderer.

At Staffordshire University, he teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate students and finds that his considerable experience allows him to offer a good mix of academic knowledge and practical expertise.

“Today, forensic science has a higher profile in crime detection than ever before,” he comments. “The UK has a DNA database that is the envy of the world and biometric technologies are advancing at an incredible rate. If you are looking for a challenging career, where no two days will ever be the same, a future in forensic science could be for you.”

Around the globe and across the UK, Staffordshire University is making a real impact. From providing sustainable solutions to the problems faced by society, to transforming lives, tackling global issues and stimulating inspiring new ways of teaching and learning, our academics - and graduates - are helping to make the world a much better place.