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This discussion examines the role of women in forensic science. Featuring Dr Emma Johnston and Leisa Nichols-Drew, both senior lecturers at De Montfort University, who shared their experiences and insights into this vital field. Emma and Leisa began by recounting their unique career paths. Emma detailed her background in biology and forensic science, including her work with LGC Forensics and her significant research projects in Guatemala and Europe. Leisa shared her journey from studying biomedicine to working with the Forensic Science Service and her focus on training police and conducting research on knife crime.
The discussion highlighted the noteworthy representation of women in forensic science, a field where women are more prevalent compared to other STEM areas. Emma and Leisa explored possible reasons for this trend, such as the profession’s alignment with helping roles and the impact of having strong female role models.
Despite the progress, they acknowledged ongoing challenges, including gender pay gaps and the under-representation of women in leadership roles. They emphasised the importance of supportive environments and role models in encouraging more women to pursue and advance in forensic science careers.
Emma and Leisa also addressed the rewarding aspects of their work, from solving complex cases to contributing positively to the criminal justice system. They shared personal stories illustrating the real-world impact of forensic science, such as Emma’s involvement in identifying missing persons in Guatemala and Leisa’s work on knife crime prevention.
In discussing educational opportunities, they dispelled the myth that forensic science lacks job prospects. They highlighted how the skills developed in this field, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, are transferable to various career paths.
The conversation concluded with reflections on the supportive ethos within the forensic science community and the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and professional development in the field.
For those interested in learning more about the experiences of women in forensic science and the broader implications for the criminal justice system, the full podcast is available on the IN-CJ website. Stay updated on future discussions and events by following IN-CJ on Twitter. This discussion is part of the Newsdesk 2024 event series, aimed at fostering dialogue and sharing knowledge on critical issues in international criminal justice.
Women in Forensic Science
What role have women played in shaping forensic science, and why does this field show greater gender balance than many other STEM disciplines? These questions were at the centre of an IN-CJ Newsdesk 2024 discussion with Emma Johnston and Leisa (Alicia) Nichols-Drew, senior lecturers in forensic biology at De Montfort University. Drawing on careers that span laboratory practice, court work, humanitarian projects, and academia, both speakers reflected on the representation and influence of women in forensic science.
Johnston described her pathway from biology and DNA analysis in UK forensic laboratories to humanitarian work in Guatemala, helping to identify victims of armed conflict through DNA. She later completed doctoral research on missing migrants in Europe and now leads projects on public trust in forensic evidence. Nichols-Drew outlined her career in the Forensic Science Service, where she worked on serious crime investigations, before moving into academia and pursuing doctoral research on fingerprint evidence, while also contributing to research on knife crime prevention. Both noted that their practical experience informs their teaching and research, creating strong links between evidence, practice, and student learning.
The discussion highlighted the unusual gender profile of forensic science. Unlike most STEM subjects, women are strongly represented in both study cohorts and professional practice. Johnston and Nichols-Drew suggested that the applied, socially relevant nature of the discipline may explain part of its appeal. They also emphasised the role of pioneers, such as Margaret Pereira in the UK and women advocates in Latin America, whose contributions helped to establish forensic science as a profession and as a tool for justice and human rights.
While celebrating progress, they cautioned that gaps remain. Gender imbalances persist in leadership roles and pay structures, and fields such as digital forensics appear less gender-balanced. They also observed that supportive cultures within forensic science—seen in mentoring, collaboration, and professional networks—play a crucial role in enabling women to thrive and progress. Forensic science, they argued, is not just about technical accuracy but also about communication: making complex evidence accessible in courtrooms and connecting science to human impact.
The conversation closed with reflections on legacy and inspiration. Both speakers emphasised that forensic science careers are varied and socially meaningful, offering opportunities to contribute directly to justice and to humanitarian work. Forensic science, they suggested, leaves its own trace: a profession where women continue to shape the field and open doors for the next generation.