Lost in (digital) translation

Language matters but when digital forensic science meets international borders, things can get lost in translation. From key terminology to clear communication – courts, police, and experts don’t always share the same understanding. Researchers are working to solve this challenge.

That’s where the Clarus project comes in – by building a shared lexicon to bridge these gaps.

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on why the words we use in digital forensics have a big impact, and how clearer communication can help deliver justice across borders.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+

• Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

SPEAKER

Professor Megan O’Neill

Professor of Criminology, University of Dundee

Megan O’Neill is a Professor of Criminology at the University of Dundee. Her work focuses on aspects of police culture, stop and search, community policing, public sector pluralisation in policing, technology in policing and surveillance practices of the state. She has published in several journals, including The European Journal of Criminology, The British Journal of Criminology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Policing and Society and Policing: A journal of policy and practice. She has published two monographs: Policing Football (2005) and Police Community Support Officers (2019). She is the Scientific Lead for the EU-funded project, Clarus. Prof O’Neill’s work is largely qualitative, with a particular focus on ethnography, and blends theoretically informed research with applications for developing policing practice.

SPEAKER

Dr James Balfour

Lecturer in Stylistics, University of Glasgow

James Balfour is a lecturer in Stylistics in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Glasgow. His research to date focusses on public discourses around health and healthcare, including schizophrenia, personality disorders and the recently proposed assisted dying bill in Scotland. He recently published a monograph Representing Schizophrenia in the Media: A Corpus-based approach to UK Press Coverage (Routledge). At Glasgow, he is a core member of the Medical Humanities Research Centre and deputy director of the STELLA lab (the only research laboratory in Scotland dedicated to English language studies). He is a (co-) work package lead on the EU funded project, Clarus.

SPEAKER

Dr Amy Long

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Dundee

Amy Long is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and recent doctoral graduate at the University of Dundee. Her work sits across both Psychology and Human Geography, with a particular focus on policing practice, vulnerability, and the role of technology in policing systems. Her PhD thesis drew on ethnographic fieldwork to explore how police perceive success when a person is reported missing. Amy has to-date researched on several trans-national policing projects, including ‘Eyes Online’ which examined accountability and legitimacy of online surveillance by the state, and the follow-up impact and dissemination project ‘Embedding Ethics by Design in the Policing of Digital Futures in Scotland’. Amy undertakes all UK data collection for Clarus and is lead author for the cross-national report on practitioner perceptions of digital evidence systems.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The RSE is trialling the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

Please note that Curious events taking place in ‘The Studio’ are only wheelchair accessible via a smaller lift. The lift’s door has a width of 69cm and the lift has a depth of 104cm. Accessible toilet facilities for activities taking place in this space are also accessed by the smaller lift. Please contact us at Curious@therse.org.uk if you would like further information or visit our RSE Accessibility page on our website.

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Newsletter

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