Chase the Science

What Forensic Science can teach every PhD student

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On 1 October 2026, while the sun was slowly setting over the city of Liverpool, Professor Lady Sue Black delivered the 180th Liverpool John Moores University Roscoe Lecture. Standing on the podium in the St Georges Hall — which has also hosted Charles Dickens, Bon Jovi and Ringo Starr — the well-renowned forensic anthropologist, author and educator delivered a talk about the state of forensic science in the UK. And she did not hold back.

In this rather eye-opening lecture on the state of Forensic Science in the UK, which you can watch on Youtube, what stood out for me, and hopefully every other student and postgraduate researcher in attendance, was her advice: “Don’t chase the forensics… chase the science”.

For a little context, in her experience as a university lecturer, tutor and mentor to many students, she has been approached many times by twinkling-eyed pupils who have developed an interest in forensic science, most likely from the portrayals of “forensic experts” in television shows and popular culture. By now, I hope, we have all realized that what Hollywood shows us on TV is just an overhyped simulation. The real world differs starkly from the fictional one. Unfortunately, many students don’t realise that what they are so eagerly chasing is far harder in reality. It’s a realisation that comes too late.

So what then are students to do? Well, Professor Lady Black has already given us the answer — chase the science. In simple terms, don’t just run after the glory or a fancy career; make sure you intentionally spend time developing the required skills, preparing yourself to become a master of your science. Professor Lady Black reminded students that we need to invest in ourselves, in our skills and in our future, by becoming a good scientist first.

And good science, including good forensic science, is built on three core pillars:

Pillar 1: Reliability and Validity

Pillar 2: Objectivity and Independence

Pillar 3: Clear Communication

These pillars are important because they provide the structure that steadies our credibility as scientists and experts. If one pillar were to crumble, our house would fall down, and rebuilding a fallen house, much like a reputation, is a difficult task.

In a nutshell, as emerging ‘good scientists,’ we can look at these pillars in the following way. Along with pursuing opportunities that will allow us to become better scientists, we should also focus on ensuring our foundation remains unshaken. That includes ensuring that in everything we do and everything we commit to, we stay reliable and we hold ourselves accountable (Pillar 1). Next, when we address our colleagues or the public, we need to make sure we are presenting the science in an informed way, backed by peer-reviewed research, and aware of our biases and assumptions so that we can remain objective and independent (Pillar 2). And as we move into the digital and possible virtual age, we need to spend time engaging so that we can develop clear communication and interpersonal skills. I think these are critical skills, which are becoming increasingly important for PhDs and Early Career Researchers. As good scientists, and by extension good communicators, it is our responsibility to ensure that regardless of who we communicate to, we use language that is inclusive and accessible (Pillar 3).

Why the advice from Professor Lady Black resonates with me is that I can see how it is useful to students from all corners of the research curriculum. We all need to be reminded not to get too focused on chasing academic positions, professorships, or vanity awards and accolades. Instead, we should dedicate our time to pursue the things that really matter. Everything else will fall into place, not because of luck, but because we planned, prepared, and stayed resilient in our pursuit to become good at our science. This is also a principle the Computer Scientist and deep life expert, Dr Cal Newport, talks about in his book, So good they can’t ignore you. Basically, it comes down to not following your passion or fictional ideals of science, but rather working on developing skills and abilities in your chosen field and becoming so good that you cannot be ignored. You don’t have to pursue opportunities; instead, they will come to you.

I would just for a brief moment like to point out that pursuing a PhD is part of the process of becoming a good scientist. PhD is a training programme. At the end of it, students hopefully leave having mastered a certain set of skills on a very niche set of research problems or methods. The end of the PhD doesn’t mark the end of your development. Good scientists, in industry and academia, embark on a lifelong journey of continuous training and development. As the next generation of problem solvers, technology will become a great aid to us. But it is a tool, and we should not rely on it alone. As good scientists, leaders, and thinkers, we will need to be able to use the scientific tools at our disposal in combination with our innate human ability (and need) for personal connection so that we can reach the communities that will benefit from our research.

Professor Lady Black’s advice is applicable to every student. Whether you are just starting your academic career or are in your third year of a PhD. Whatever stage you are in, work diligently and with focus on becoming an expert in the tools, methods, and fundamental principles of your science. Pursue becoming good first. Everything else will follow you. At least that is what I believe and how I am tackling my own skills development and career.

Stay curious. Stay kind.

Begin again — as a good scientist