A CRIME scene expert is helping to put Teesside University at the forefront of research after being published in a prestigious international journal.

Brian Rankin, from the School of Science and Engineering, contributed four pages in the accreditation chapter in the 'Encyclopaedia of Forensic Sciences' - the second edition international publication, released in 2013.

The accreditation chapter demonstrates the international industry standard at which forensic science practice needs to be delivered to the justice system.

Brian and Teesside University made an important contribution to the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) subject benchmark statement for forensic science which was produced in December 2012.

Brian, head of the Centre for Forensic Investigation at Teesside University, chaired the working group that produced the benchmark, which shapes how forensic science is taught in educational establishments all over the country and sets the overall UK standard in the field.

Brian said: "It's a great honour to be in a position to shape how forensic science is taught in this country and to be a big part of such major discussion, once again emphasising the University's academic calibre. I feel this will be a real legacy for forensic science."