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From concept to classroom: Transforming forensic Taphonomy education with Decompanion.

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Τίτλος: From concept to classroom: Transforming forensic Taphonomy education with Decompanion.
Συγγραφείς: Tynan P; Applied Science, Wrexham University, Wrexham LL11 2AW, UK.. Electronic address: Paige.Tynan@Wrexham.ac.uk., Rattenbury AE; Applied Science, Wrexham University, Wrexham LL11 2AW, UK.
Πηγή: Science & justice : journal of the Forensic Science Society [Sci Justice] 2026 Sep; Vol. 66 (5), pp. 101487. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jul 15.
Τύπος έκδοσης: Journal Article
Γλώσσα: English
Στοιχεία περιοδικού: Publisher: Elsevier Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9508563 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1876-4452 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 13550306 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Sci Justice Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: London : Elsevier
Original Publication: Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK ; Middlesex, NJ : The Society, c1995-
Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH): Forensic Sciences*/education , Postmortem Changes* , Databases, Factual*, Humans ; Academia ; Problem-Based Learning
Περίληψη: The advancement of forensic and crime scene science education demands innovative tools that support inclusive, accessible, and sustainable practices. This paper examines Decompanion, a live and operational open-access taphonomic database, as a transformative resource for forensic science education. Designed to standardise methodologies, enhance global access to high-quality datasets, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, Decompanion bridges critical gaps between research and teaching while addressing longstanding ethical and legal constraints surrounding decomposition studies. Its current features (such as interactive 3D models, global research facility mapping, and decomposition calculators) enable students and educators to engage with authentic, ethically sourced taphonomic datasets, supporting experiential learning and reducing reliance on animal models. Proposed applications include virtual laboratories, case-based exercises, and interdisciplinary projects, all of which require systematic testing in diverse educational settings. Looking ahead, integration with machine learning offers further opportunities for students to explore post-mortem interval estimation and environmental influences on decomposition using advanced analytical tools. Accessibility is also prioritised through compliance with web accessibility standards, ensuring equitable engagement regardless of physical or geographic limitations. This paper outlines strategies for expanding adoption, refining features based on user feedback, and embedding Decompanion into structured educational programmes. By exploring both current achievements and future directions, it highlights the platform's capacity to transform forensic taphonomy education through sustainable, ethical, and globally accessible practices.
(Copyright © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: Database; Digital education; Experiential learning; Forensic Taphonomy; Forensic science pedagogy; Sustainable research practices
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260901 Date Completed: 20260901 Latest Revision: 20260901
Update Code: 20260902
DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2026.101487
PMID: 42680460
Βάση Δεδομένων: MEDLINE
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  Data: From concept to classroom: Transforming forensic Taphonomy education with Decompanion.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Tynan+P%22">Tynan P</searchLink>; Applied Science, Wrexham University, Wrexham LL11 2AW, UK.. Electronic address: Paige.Tynan@Wrexham.ac.uk.<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AU" term="%22Rattenbury+AE%22">Rattenbury AE</searchLink>; Applied Science, Wrexham University, Wrexham LL11 2AW, UK.
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  Data: The advancement of forensic and crime scene science education demands innovative tools that support inclusive, accessible, and sustainable practices. This paper examines Decompanion, a live and operational open-access taphonomic database, as a transformative resource for forensic science education. Designed to standardise methodologies, enhance global access to high-quality datasets, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, Decompanion bridges critical gaps between research and teaching while addressing longstanding ethical and legal constraints surrounding decomposition studies. Its current features (such as interactive 3D models, global research facility mapping, and decomposition calculators) enable students and educators to engage with authentic, ethically sourced taphonomic datasets, supporting experiential learning and reducing reliance on animal models. Proposed applications include virtual laboratories, case-based exercises, and interdisciplinary projects, all of which require systematic testing in diverse educational settings. Looking ahead, integration with machine learning offers further opportunities for students to explore post-mortem interval estimation and environmental influences on decomposition using advanced analytical tools. Accessibility is also prioritised through compliance with web accessibility standards, ensuring equitable engagement regardless of physical or geographic limitations. This paper outlines strategies for expanding adoption, refining features based on user feedback, and embedding Decompanion into structured educational programmes. By exploring both current achievements and future directions, it highlights the platform's capacity to transform forensic taphonomy education through sustainable, ethical, and globally accessible practices.<br /> (Copyright © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
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