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Academy of Forensic Medical Sciences

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Academy of Forensic Medical Sciences

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The Academy was established to meet this need and has been offering a number of educational activities since October 2010.

The Academy is dedicated to furthering the interests of justice in society through the pursuit of excellence in education and training in the forensic medical sciences. There is a growing demand for high quality educational courses and training in Forensic Medicine and its allied specialties, collectively called the Forensic Medical Sciences. There will be a number of courses delivered in the classroom as well as on-line, training programs, seminars and other related educational activities. These will be of value to a wide range of professionals and others interested in forensic medical sciences and, indeed courses will be developed with the various speciality interests in mind. The Academy is providing post-graduate training in collaboration with Universities and other professional bodies (nationally and internationally) in the different areas of the forensic medical sciences to facilitate students’ eligibility for entry to specialist examinations to qualify for Consultant level status in their area of expertise. The Fellowship of Forensic Medical Sciences (FFMS) is an exit exam. Recently AFMS has granted the application to recognize members of the National Specialist Register (Malaysia) in higher training and to award a fellowship in the field of forensic pathology and human identification by examination.

24/10/2026

Can an investigation be scientifically thorough but still leave important questions unanswered?

Forensic science can establish findings, examine competing explanations and provide specialist opinions.

But there are circumstances in which the available evidence cannot support a definitive conclusion.

Recognising those limitations is an important part of responsible forensic practice.

We would be interested to hear your views: is knowing when not to draw a conclusion one of the most important skills in forensic work?

23/10/2026

A death investigation involves far more than establishing the medical cause of death.

For coroners' officers, understanding medical terminology, post-mortem findings and the responsibilities of different specialists can be an important part of their work.

The DipFMS course brings these subjects together, providing a broader understanding of the medical and legal processes involved in death investigation.

It is this exchange of knowledge between professions that makes forensic medical sciences such an important multidisciplinary field.

21/10/2026

What happens to human tissue retained during a post-mortem examination?

The retention, examination and eventual disposal of human tissue raise important questions about consent, legislation, ethics and professional responsibility.

This week, our DipFMS course students have been exploring Human Tissue Retention with Professor Peter Vanezis OBE.

An important reminder that forensic medicine involves not only scientific investigation, but also responsibilities to individuals and their families.

20/10/2026

Can medical imaging contribute to a forensic investigation?

CT scans, X-rays and other imaging techniques can reveal findings that may not be immediately apparent during an external examination.

Forensic radiology has become an important part of modern forensic practice, supporting the examination and interpretation of injuries and other findings.

It is one of the specialist subjects explored on the DipFMS course, demonstrating how developments in medical technology contribute to forensic investigation.

17/10/2026

Expertise carries authority.

But recognising the limits of the available evidence can be just as important as reaching a conclusion.

In forensic work, where an opinion may influence an investigation or court proceedings, certainty should never extend beyond what the evidence can support.

Where do you think the line should be drawn between professional judgement and uncertainty?

15/10/2026

Can expertise protect us from bias?

Not entirely.

Scientific interpretation still involves human judgement, which makes recognising and managing potential bias an important part of forensic practice.

Today our DipFMS students are considering Bias in Forensic Science with Dr Hilary Hamnett.

A strong scientific opinion isn't one that avoids difficult questions. It is one that can withstand them.

13/10/2026

An expert witness is not there to win the case.

Their responsibility is to provide independent, objective opinion within their area of expertise, and to be equally clear about its limitations.

Today our DipFMS students are exploring the expert witness with Dr Tracey Elliott.

It is where specialist knowledge meets one of its greatest tests: explaining it clearly, impartially and under scrutiny.

12/10/2026

This week we are pleased to introduce Dr Tracey Elliott, who will be teaching our DipFMS students about the expert witness.

Dr Elliott is a member of the University of Exeter Law School, having previously taught Health Care Law at the University of Leicester for 15 years. She is also a former practising barrister.

Her session brings an important legal perspective to the course, examining the role and responsibilities of the expert witness.

10/10/2026

!!Forensic Question of the Week!!

Two appropriately qualified experts examine the same evidence.

They reach different conclusions.

Does that mean one of them must be wrong?

We'd be interested to hear how professionals from different backgrounds would approach this.

09/10/2026

Finding evidence is one thing. Interpreting it is another.

A finding can be genuine and scientifically valid and still be misunderstood if it is considered without the right context.

What does it actually establish?

What doesn't it establish?

Are there alternative explanations?

How much weight should be placed upon it?

Good forensic practice isn't simply about producing evidence. It is also about understanding its limitations.

That distinction runs through almost every area of forensic science and medicine.

Address

Miller House, 3 Devonshire Drive
London
SE108LP

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+442075256030

Website

http://www.afms.org.uk/

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