Research at the College of Life Sciences has far-reaching impact on  government, health and legal policy. Below are two ways in which our research has broad social and health impact:

Water Policy

Professor Geoffrey A. Codd’s research on the occurrence, toxicity and fates of cyanobacterial toxins (cyanotoxins) has had a major impact on the recognition, toxicity assessment and risk management of cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxins in controlled and natural waterbodies worldwide.

Professor Codd’s development of analytical methods for cyanotoxins in potable waters has resulted in successful interlaboratory method validation and adoption of the Dundee procedures as official UK methods.

His research on cyanotoxin toxicity and adverse roles in human and animal health incidents in the UK and throughout the world has provided primary guidance in the formulation and adoption of safety plans for health protection against cyanotoxins in human drinking water supplies, aquaculture and veterinary practice.

Policies for cyanobacterial bloom and cyanotoxin risk management, and the protection of water resources, arising with key input from Codd’s research and working party membership have included those of : the World Health Organisation, UNESCO, UK, mainland Europe and Australian drinking water authorities and companies, Environment Agency (England and Wales), Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and the Scottish Government Health Department.

Forensic Science, Legal Impact

In April 2009 Sue Black made National headlines in a case which may change the nature of forensic investigation and identification in the legal system.

Professor Sue Black led a team of forensic scientists in helping the The Metropolitan Police to build a case against paedophile Dean Hardy, from south-east London, who was sentenced to six years in prison. Hardy's blemishes -the distinctive freckles on his left thumb - matched those in a photo showing a man illegally touching a young girl.

In a ground-breaking legal case Professor Black identified Hardy as a suspect through a process of elimination. From looking at the photo the anatomist could tell that the perpetrator was a white, middle-aged man, but it was the discovery of an accident scar that led to a breakthrough.

At the Centre, scientists look at forensic anthropology and analyse soft tissue and vein patterns to identify people. The Centre also has a database of more than 2,900 images of fingers and hands. After seeing the evidence against him Hardy admitted indecent assault and taking indecent photos.

The case has been hailed as the first of its kind.

However, Professor Black revealed the technology is now being used at a case in Edinburgh's High Court. She said: "In the fight against crime we need an arsenal of tools. This technique will not replace things, but it means if all we have is a photo of a hand we can still tell something."