Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

Award-winning research from Anglia Ruskin University shows that you can tell even more about somebody from their personal hygiene habits than was previously thought.

Work looking at the vital pieces of evidence left behind in bath water was among three projects to win industry-sponsored prizes at the University's annual forensic science awards.

Victoria Travers, a student graduating with a BSc (hons) Forensic Science, picked up the Forensic Science Service prize for the best undergraduate thesis in forensic science for her study of evidence that can be collected from a bath surface after a victim has bathed using a new Evidence Recovery System.

Meanwhile John Bostock, graduating with an MSc in Fire Investigtion, was awarded the Gardiner’s Associates Prize for the best thesis in fire investigation for his postgraduate thesis, ‘Child and Juvenile Firesetters: Effective and Appropriate Interventions’.

Heather Puddephatt , a student graduating with a BSc (hons) in Chemistry, was awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry prize for the best thesis in chemistry for her work discussing the preparation of semi-continuous emulsion polymers.

Head of Department Professor Mike Cole said: "These three students have worked exceptionally hard to achieve these prizes – but they all have one thing in common they are all committed to solving real life issues within the field of forensic science. They are obviously dedicated to the subject of forensic investigation and will go on to fast-track their way through their chosen career paths."

The Forensic Science degrees offered by Anglia Ruskin University, which are based on scientific disciplines and techniques that can be used to produce evidence acceptable in a court of law, have recently undergone Quality Agency Audits, winning top classifications. Former students have been recruited by the forensic science service and the Horseracing Forensic Laboratory.