Biosensing, Analytical and Forensics research theme
A research cluster within the Centre for Research in Biosciences (CRIB).
Theme overview
The Biosensing, Analytical and Forensics research thematic cluster is representative of the need for detection and measurement within the Biosciences. The accurate and reliable quantitative and qualitative determination of anything from small gas molecules to complex biomolecules is critical across biological and biomedical sciences. As well as having world-leading expertise in instrumental methods of bioanalysis using techniques such as Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC) and Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS), CRIB is also home to many leaders in the field of sensors and biosensors, and its application to disease diagnosis, food quality and environmental monitoring. In particular, CRIB is closely associated with the Institute for Bio-Sensing Technology (IBST) at UWE Bristol, which has a specialised focus on industry-facing collaborations in the biosensing field.
Our significant capabilities in Forensics are focused on the development of analytical techniques for the detection of emerging illicit drugs using chromatography and mass spectrometry, along with computer vision and smartphone technologies to prevent drink spiking. Electrochemical techniques are also being applied to the determination of illegal dye agents, drugs, and the presumptive determination of whole blood. In forensic anthropology, 3D imaging (Computed Tomography), 3D modelling and 3D printing are being applied to the examination of skeletal remains to assist with human identification across crime reconstruction scenarios. Our research is cross-cutting with areas of law and policy with respect to wrongful convictions and the impact this has on forensic science service provision.
Academic staff
Dr Jackie Barnett
Senior Lecturer in Food Systems
Dr Adrian Crew
Senior Lecturer in Environmental Microbiology
Dr Benjamin De Lacy Costello
Associate Professor of Biosensing and Diagnostics
Mr Terry Devine
Lecturer in Forensic Science
Mr Terry Devine is researching the advancement of healthcare through innovative diagnostic methods for the non-invasive detection of prostate and bladder cancer from urine volatiles. He is in collaboration with West Mercia Police, exploring the innovative application of forensic photography to retrieve finger marks from crime scenes.
Dr Becks Fisher
Lecturer in Forensic Science
Dr Oliver Gould
Lecturer in Forensic Science
Dr Oliver Gould specialises in vapour mass spectrometry and detection of trace gases. His research work covers but is not exclusive to non-invasive diagnostics, forensic mass spectrometry, applications for metal oxide sensors, innovative mass spectrometry sample integration, and digital forensics. He is always looking for new analytical challenges and is always excited to work with other disciplines to solve problems.
Dr Helen Green
Associate Head of Department, Forensic and Analytical Science
Professor John Hart
Professor of Biosensor and Electroanalytical Science
Dr Antony Hill
Dean of Learning and Teaching, School of Applied Sciences
Dr Annabelle Hodson
Senior Lecturer in Medical Chemistry and Pharmacology
Dr Kevin Honeychurch
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Chemistry
Dr Kevin Honeychurch has over 25 years of experience in analytical chemistry; developing solutions for multidisciplinary research projects, for healthcare, the environment, and the forensic sciences. He obtained a PhD in the development of electrochemical sensors for the determination of heavy metal ions in environmental water. Presently, he is focused on the development of unique areas of electrochemistry and computer based version in the analytical sciences. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers in both electroanalysis and chromatographic science, and has an H Index of 27.
Mrs Chelsey Jordan
Lecturer in Forensic Science
Professor Tony Killard
Professor of Biomedical Science
Dr Hesham Kisher
Lecturer in Forensic Biology
Mr Eric Leung
Lecturer in Forensic Science
Professor Richard Luxton
Director of the Institute of Biosensing Technology (IBST)
Professor David McCalley
Professor of Bioanalytical Science
David McCalley is Professor of Bioanalytical Science at UWE Bristol. In 2021, 2019, 2015 and 2013, he was named as one of the world's 100 most influential analytical scientists. He was awarded the Silver Jubilee medal of the Chromatographic Society in 2008. He has given more than 50 international invited lectures. Research is in fundamental mechanisms of chromatography in hydrophilic interaction and reversed-phase modes. Applications include monoclonal antibodies, pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse.
Miss Louise McLachlan
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
Dr Emmanuel Nsiah Amoako
Lecturer in Forensic Science
With his interdisciplinary background, Emmanuel’s research bridges forensic science/evidence and law, by applying Science and Technology Studies research approach, qualitative research methodologies, and thematic analysis to contribute to highlighting and/or addressing issues that adversely impact the quality of forensic science service provision, and hence makes forensic science unfit for the criminal justice system.
Dr Roy Pemberton
Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science and Biosensing
Professor Norman Ratcliffe
Professor of Materials and Sensor Science
Miss Diane Robinson
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
Dr Maddie Robles
Lecturer in Forensic Science
Dr Madeline Robles' current research interests include testing and applying 3D modelling or augmented/virtual reality into forensic anthropology and forensic science broadly. She has directed and collaborated on two major interdisciplinary forensic science projects with colleagues across University College London, including the Institute of Archaeology, which have resulted in six presentations at major international conferences and three first author publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
Dr Saliha Saad
Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences
Dr Piers Townsend
Lecturer in Environmental and Forensic Toxicology
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