Human Taphonomic Facility for Teaching and Research

A project seeking support

The Forensic Institute have been asked to support a proposal for the creation of a Human Taphonomic Facility in the UK. A similar pioneering facility was created in the USA some years ago – known as the Body Farm.

The Forensic Institute have been made aware of some concerns about the ethical issues surrounding the use of human tissue and have therefore concluded that we will remain neutral on the issue of support. However, the project proposal merits debate and we encourage others to consider the project for themselves.

A commercial firm (Omega Supplies Limited, based in Lincolnshire) is currently in the final planning stages of building the human taphonomy and research centre in Lincolnshire. Discussions with appropriate agencies concerning human tissue usage and storage are well advanced.

The facility will be financed by Omega Supplies Limited and designed to be a state-of-the-art facility working alongside a number of major international companies to create a centre that has full teaching, dissection and up to date facilities, including for education.

This 30 acre site will be the only facility of its kind in Europe and have accommodation to facilitate long-term research observational studies and data gathering.

Omega Supplies Limited have recently met with senior representatives from a number of University departments and are now seeking further written support in principle from any University, research facility or independent company that may be interested in accessing this facility.

Omega Supplies Limited are seeking views on what facilities organisations would wish to see built and developed at this centre. The centre is its early design stages and therefore specific equipment and environments can be accommodated into the design plans.

Interested parties should contact Mr Richard Arnold of Omega Supplies direct ( 01507 440200, or finance.omega@btconnect.com ).

Updated 11th January 2011.