One of the world’s leading forensic scientists has joined Glasgow Science Centre’s Advisory Group for its new BodyWorks exhibition

Professor Sue Black OBE, an expert in human anatomy and star of the BBC series ‘History Cold Case’, has joined other experts from academia and industry to provide advice, guidance and direction for the new exhibition. The BodyWorks exhibition, funded through two main grants from The Wellcome Trust and GlaxoSmithKline, will focus on the wonder of the human body and will demonstrate the latest in cutting edge research and innovation in the health and well-being sector.

115 interactive exhibits, research capsules and live laboratory experiences make up the BodyWorks exhibition which will explore the science underpinning health and wellbeing in the 21st Century. Glasgow Science Centre has been overwhelmed with the support it has received from scientists and organisations offering scientific expertise and assets that the charity would not otherwise have been able to resource.

As a Professor of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology at the University of Dundee, Professor Black will use her extensive knowledge of the human body to help visitors to Glasgow Science Centre understand their bodies, health and lifestyle from a new perspective.
Professor Black is an internationally renowned forensic anthropologist and has helped organisations like the International War Crimes Tribunal, United Nations and police forces across the UK.

Gillian Lang, the BodyWorks Project Leader at Glasgow Science Centre said:

“We are delighted that Professor Black has agreed to join the BodyWorks Advisory Committee. Not only is she a scientist of the highest repute, who is in a position to contribute a tremendous amount to the project, she is an extremely accomplished science communicator and is an inspiration and role model to all at GSC.” As well as advising on the BodyWorks exhibition, Professor Black is also getting hands on and advising on plastinating human material that will be used in one of the exhibits. The plastinating process involves impregnating the organs with silicon.

Professor Sue Black said:

“There have been many exhibitions on the human body before and this is, for me, the first time that real science has been truly addressed.  I am delighted to be a member of the advisory Group who are simply inspirational.  It will be an exhibition to capture the imagination of young and old alike”

Glasgow Science Centre is working with over 190 experts from academia and industry to help bring their vision for BodyWorks to life. Professor Terry Gourlay from Strathclyde University is building an artificial heart, Paul Rea from the Museum of Human Anatomy at Glasgow University is loaning the exhibition three human specimens and the Digital Learning Foundation is helping the Centre develop a giant 3D brain exhibit.

When the BodyWorks exhibition opens on March 28th, visitors will be able to battle snot, run in a giant hamster wheel and take part in an autopsy amongst other things. As well as the fun interactive exhibits, a brand new programme of workshops and live labs will complement the health based exhibition such as ‘Heart and Lung Dissection’ and a show looking at digestion.

To find out more information about BodyWorks visit www.glasgowsciencecentre.org  or call 01410 420 5000.