The Royal Society of Edinburgh Interpreting the Invisible: The Digital Evidence Challenge

This interactive workshop explores how digital evidence is handled from a crime scene through to court proceedings. Participants are invited to step into the roles of law enforcement officers, analysts, lawyers, forensic practitioners and journalists as they work through a fictional case and learn how evidence is recovered, interpreted and presented.

The session is designed as a collaborative team exercise, with group discussion, speaking and feedback built in. Attendees will have support from experts and digital tools as they navigate the investigation and consider how a charge and conviction may be reached in the courtroom.

The fictional scenario is based on research from the Clarus EU project, which focuses on improving the quality, impartiality and reliability of digital forensic science. The workshop is part of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Curious festival of knowledge.

It is suitable for ages 16+, and no prior specialist knowledge is needed. Please note that the event includes a fictional crime involving a suspected homophobic hate crime, and photography may take place during the session.