Mr Thomas explained to Year 9 pupils from Cefn Hengoed how thousands of criminals are identified in the South Wales area every year through the application of science and technology thanks to a team of highly qualified forensic practitioners working within the Scientific Investigations Unit (SIU).

In addition to learning about fingerprint, DNA and footwear analyses during the session, every pupil got a chance to get to grips with the South Wales Police’s “Microviper”, which is a powerful and portable trace evidence Forensic Microscope. During the session pupils were shown a 100 times magnification of such items as human hair, clothing fabrics and microscopic pores on their fingertips.

Mr David Thomas said: “Having the ability to provide a unique insight to pupils on current forensic technology within the police service is extremely rewarding, especially given the significant scientific advancements that we have seen within modern day policing over the last few years.”

Director of Technocamps, Professor Faron Moller, added:

“Technocamps is about getting young people in Wales excited about computing and challenging them to think about the world around them in a different way. We want to capture job roles out there, some that they would least expect, which is why guest speaker sessions from the likes of the South Wales Police are so important to the project.

“So if you’re a games developer, professional programmer or simply work in an exciting role that you think would inspire young people to follow a career in STEM and are able to spare an hour of your time, then we want to hear from you.”

South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Jukes, who is the force lead for Specialist Crime said: "Forensic science is becoming increasingly important to solving all types of crime and has transformed much of the work we do in police laboratories in Wales.

“We are keen to support the development of skills in schools and beyond, and hope that some of the students taking part in Technocamps will be inspired to become future members of our specialist teams.”

Backed by £3.9 million from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, Technocamps provides daily and week sessions to young people aged 11-19 within the convergence areas of Wales, on a range of exciting computing-based topics such as programming, robotics, cryptography and much more. Technocamps has the long term goal of encouraging them to pursue careers in an area that will drive economic growth in Wales.

For further information on Technocamps or to register your interest in Technocamps activities, please visit www.technocamps.com  or call 01792 606890. Alternatively, email the Technocamps team at info@technocamps.com.

This news item has been posted by Janis Pickwick, Swansea University Public Relations Office, Tel: 01792 513245 or email: j.m.pickwick@swansea.ac.uk