Lancaster Professor Dame Sue Black appointed to the House of Lords

One of the UK’s leading forensic anthropologists has been made a non-party-political peer by the House of Lords Appointments Commission.
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Lancaster University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement Professor Dame Sue Black – who will sit on the crossbenches - is recognised for her outstanding contributions as a forensic anthropologist, anatomist and academic.

Professor Black is a Scottish forensic anthropologist, anatomist and academic now based at Lancaster where she also leads the 2.5m euro H-Unique project designed to identify serious criminals based on their hand anatomy.

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Her expertise has been crucial to a number of high-profile criminal cases, including the conviction of Scotland’s largest paedophile ring in 2009, and in 1999 she headed the British forensic team’s exhumation of mass graves in Kosovo.

Professor Black, who will take up her appointment alongside her current role at Lancaster, said: “I know this will be a challenging position and I view it as national service. I have been incredibly fortunate throughout my career and if those experiences can be brought to bear in Government decision making, then I can only promise to do my best which I hope will be enough.”

The Chancellor of Lancaster University, the Rt Hon Alan Milburn, said: “We at Lancaster University are very proud of Sue’s elevation to the House of Lords. She will make a first-rate contribution to the work of the House.

“She is a world leading forensic anthropologist, anatomist and academic with a unique ability to engage with the public. She has successfully shaped public understanding across the world.

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“Her game-changing work on the H-unique project, to identify serious criminals based on their hand anatomy, is only one example of her inspirational work.

Internationally renowned forensic anthropologist and anatomist Dame Sue Black is Lancaster University's Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement. (Photo by Jill Jennings)Internationally renowned forensic anthropologist and anatomist Dame Sue Black is Lancaster University's Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement. (Photo by Jill Jennings)
Internationally renowned forensic anthropologist and anatomist Dame Sue Black is Lancaster University's Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement. (Photo by Jill Jennings)

“Sue’s exceptional drive, wisdom and experience will make her a huge asset to the House of Lords.”

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