Public Squares Initiative
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Science for justice (S4J) in forensic human identification. 

Forensic methods of identification face complex challenges in resource-challenged and high caseload contexts. For example, the number of unidentified individuals admitted to South Africa's medico‐legal laboratories is alarmingly high, with estimates ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 per year. This crisis demands urgent attention and innovative solutions to improve the identification process. Building on a host of internal, inter-institutional, and international relationships, ​

This Public Square will take a 'forensic identification think tank 'approach to identify innovative and effective solutions to improve service delivery in forensic human identification. The implementation of the identified measures can have a significant impact on South Africa and serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges.​​



Faculty / School / Department represente​d: ​​

  • Department of Visual Arts
  • VIZ.Lab
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences
  • Division of Forensic Medicine
  • Division of Clinical Anatomy
  • Department of Pathology
  • Biological Anthropology Research Unit (BARU)
  • Faculty of Medicine and Health Science


Core Stellenbosch University Team:

  • Prof. Kathryn Smith
  • Dr Mandi Alblas
  • Dr Janette Verster​​​​​​

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