Humanitarian Identification (Locate International)

Overview:
Developed in collaboration with Locate International, this initiative explores how evidence-based visual communication can improve public engagement with long-term missing and unidentified person investigations. The project sought to make case information more accessible, respectful, and recognisable by combining forensic science with digital visualisation, narrative development, and public-facing communication.

Creative & Scientific Contribution:
Working alongside Locate International, I contributed to the development of enhanced facial depictions, digital reconstructions, visual resources, and communication strategies designed to support public recognition and encourage new enquiries. I also contributed to wider research exploring how visual presentation, storytelling, accessibility, and digital platforms can improve public engagement with missing and unidentified persons while maintaining scientific integrity and ethical sensitivity. This work formed part of a successful Collaborate for Impact funded initiative exploring new approaches to humanitarian identification and public engagement.

Public Impact:
The project supports Locate International's humanitarian mission to reunite missing and unidentified people with their families by improving how cases are communicated to the public. Evidence-based visualisation, combined with accessible storytelling, has helped increase awareness of unresolved cases while supporting police investigations, media engagement, and public appeals. Related work has featured in Channel 4's The Body Detectives and contributes to the continued development of more effective, compassionate, and inclusive approaches to humanitarian identification.