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The Dynamite Detectives: Inside Forensic Science
When
Thursday 10 September 2026
18:00 - 19:30
Where
The Royal Society of Edinburgh
22-26 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ
View directions on Google Maps
Format
Hybrid
Access
Hearing loop, Wheelchair access, Wheelchair accessible toilets
Age
Suitable for ages 16+
Cost
Free to book
About this event
How the Glasgow bombings of the 1800s shaped how we investigate terrorism today
If you are a true crime enthusiast, history buff, or simply intrigued by the fusion of science and justice, this deep-dive talk promises riveting discussions and thought-provoking insights about the history of terrorism and its investigation in the UK.
Based on the latest multi-award winning podcast series from Inside Forensic Science, a panel of experts, led by broadcaster Pennie Stuart, looks closely at what happened during a series of bombings in Glasgow in the late 1800s, and how those events shaped the ways we investigate terrorism today.
To help you get familiar with the topics our experts will be discussing, listen to the latest series of Inside Forensic Science before joining us for the talk.
Content warning: Please note that this event will contain discussion of graphic content that is not suitable for children. We will be discussing cases of terrorism in the UK and the use of explosives in acts of terrorism. The podcast includes content including the sounds of explosions, statements from victims, descriptions of the damage, and injuries to victims. Some of this material may be brought up in the panel.
Event format: Talk
This event is a talk where speakers will share their insights followed by an audience Q&A. There may be some interactive parts of the event but you can also just sit back and enjoy listening.
Event type
Curious
Talk
Contributors
Professor Niamh Nic Daeid FRSE
Director, Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of DundeeSPEAKER
Niamh Nic Daéid FRSE is an Irish forensic scientist, and the Professor of Forensic Science and Director of Research at the University of Dundee. She is a Chartered Chemist and an authorised Forensic Chemist with specialisms including fire investigation, clandestine drug chemistry and explosives. She undertakes forensic casework, primarily in fire scene investigation and has appeared as an expert witness for the Courts. She has chaired the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) fire and explosion Investigation working group, the INTERPOL forensic science managers symposium and was deputy chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Criminal Court.
Professor Aileen Fyfe FRSE
Professor of Modern History, University of St AndrewsSPEAKER
Professor Aileen Fyfe is a historian of science, technology and publishing, with particular interests in the construction and communication of knowledge, and the way in which scholarly communities operate. Her recent work has investigated the history of academic publishing from the seventeenth century to the present day, including the financial models underpinning scientific journals, and their editorial and reviewing processes. She has also studied popular science publishing in the nineteenth century, and is currently investigating the ways in which information was gathered, organised and shared in Victorian Britain.
Pennie Stuart
CHAIR
Pennie is the Director of Adventurous Audio productions and the producer and narrator of the Inside Forensic Science Podcast. She is an experienced producer and presenter and previously worked for the BBC.
Lt Col Steve Johnson
Counter CBRNE Professional & AcademicSteve Johnson is a serving military officer and forensic scientist working on countering CBRNE threats. His career has covered government, industry, and academic posts. Most recently the CBRNE Strategist for Google Deepmind. He was director of the Forensic Explosive and Explosion Investigation MSc at Cranfield University and still holds visiting positions with Cranfield, Exeter and Rome (Tor Vergata), teaching on scene investigation and Forensic Intelligence. He chairs the NATO Battlefield Forensics workshop and recently took over the running of Standing Well Back, a blog on the evolution of explosive threats.
Contact us
If you have an event enquiry, please email us on public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk.Event testimonial
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What is Curious?
Curious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s (RSE) free festival that celebrates the research, ideas and knowledge shaping society today.
Each year, Curious brings a packed programme of free in-person and online events covering themes from the arts, humanities, policy, science and more. To date, we’ve welcomed over 10,000 attendees for talks, workshops, exhibitions and discussions where you can learn from and speak with Scotland’s leading thinkers. As part of the RSE’s mission to make knowledge useful and accessible for everyone, Curious is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. No specialist knowledge is needed, just bring your curiosity.
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