Forensic Anthropology refers to the application of scientific techniques and principles to the identification of the deceased. In some cases these will have been victims of disasters or homicide, but in other cases may have died in non-suspicious circumstances.
The primary role of a forensic anthropologist within an investigation is the systematic study of skeletal or fragmentary remains in order to create a biological profile for the deceased which includes ancestry, sex, age at death and stature. Other assessments may include the analysis of trauma or pathologies. Forensic anthropologists may also be involved in the recovery of remains, and would work with other practitioners such as forensic archaeologists in the recovery.
There are a number of routes towards becoming a forensic anthropologist. Today there are undergraduate degrees in forensic anthropology, some of which are accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science. Many practitioners have an anatomy or bio-archaeological background and undertake a postgraduate course in forensic anthropology.
Forensic Anthropologists work in a number of areas including; private companies providing forensic services, police units, research departments, humanitarian aid organisations, museums and universities.
Professional Certification
The Royal Anthropological Institute offers certification and chartership in Forensic Anthropology, for those looking to add a layer of professional accreditation to their work. Certified candidates join a network of 60+ Forensic Anthropologists under the RAI, and are entitled to post-nominals.
Certification is separated into three levels designed for beginner, intermediate, and experienced working practice. Applicants do not need to progress through consecutive levels but can apply directly for FAI chartership and FAII certification if they appropriately meet the requirements. For full details on how to apply, follow the links below.
Levels of RAI Forensic certification:
The highest level of certification and is chartered status. These are highly experienced practitioners who have court room experience.
- Forensic Anthropologist II (FAII)
This level includes practitioners who have evidenced competence in both their practical and theoretical knowledge of forensic anthropology. They may not yet have given evidence in a courtroom but they will be mentored by an FAI to assist them in this regard.
- Forensic Anthropologist III (FAIII)
The practitioners at this level have evidenced that they have some experience and knowledge in the field of forensic anthropology. They may not have yet had real field experience but they will be mentored by either an FAI or an FAII practitioner.
Certification Resources
Applicants to all three levels of RAI FA certification are advised to consult the Practitioner Levels, RAI Code of Practice and Curriculum documents. Practitioners must consult their own countries’ criminal procedure rules for information on the roles and responsibilities of forensic anthropologists as expert witnesses within international criminal justice systems outside of the UK.
Forensic Associations & Committees
The RAI has a Forensic Anthropology Committee who oversee the professional certification process and Forensic engagements at the institute. This includes online Forensic Anthropology courses, a Code of Practice, Forensic Anthropology curriculum, CPD framework, international certification, mentorship programme, and book series.
The British Association for Forensic Anthropology (BAFA) was formed in 2011 under the umbrella of the British Association for Human Identification (BAHID), with the RAI as its professional body. It’s core aims are to promote professional standards within the discipline of Forensic Anthropology and assist UK Forensic Anthropologists with their professional development via mentorship, meetings, and the provision of CPD events.
External resources:
Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute – Special Issue: Forensic Anthropology Read online for FREE
British Association for Forensic Anthropology
British Association for Human Identification (BAHID)
Read the article “A Day in the Life of a Forensic Anthropologist” by Forensic Anthropologists Julie Roberts & Linda Ainscough.
Contact
Questions regarding RAI Forensic Anthropology certification and all media inquiries should be directed to the RAI Forensic Anthropology Officer via fac@therai.org.uk.