Podcast

Beyond the Technology: Award winners miniseries - University of Dundee transforming the crime scene with VR technology

In this episode, Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, Vincenzo Rinaldi and Heather Doran from the University of Dundee discuss the exciting project surrounding virtual reality being carried out at the Leverhulme Research Centre.

Beyond the Technology banner

Niamh and Vincenzo outline how the team aims to revolutionise crime scene investigations and court proceedings using virtual reality (VR). Having already worked with the Danish police, the project is focused on creating a systematic approach to turn crime scene images into a VR environment, providing a more immersive decision-making tool. The team envisions a future where VR brings crime scenes to investigators, reducing the need for physical travel.

Heather discusses how the pandemic limited engagement of the tool with public audiences due to the tactile nature of the VR technology and also how the university’s widening access team hope to work with them to share VR with students.

Vincenzo addresses the high costs associated with advanced forensic technologies and how the project aims to focus on cost-effective solutions by repurposing existing tools such as traditional cameras and commercial-grade VR devices.

To close, Vincenzo and Niamh offer advice to other universities seeking to explore innovation in technology.

Show notes

Episode guests

Professor Niamh Nic Daeid headshot
Professor Niamh Nic Daeid
University of Dundee
Vincenzo Rinaldi headshot
Vincenzo Rinaldi
University of Dundee
Heather Doran headshot
Heather Doran
University of Dundee

Episode host

Sophia Speakman headshot
Sophia Speakman
Marketing and communications officer, Jisc

Additional links