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 toget 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 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.”

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.

ENDS

Pictures included: Forensic Operations Manager, David Thomas, demonstrating the Microviper to Year 9 pupils from Cefn Hengoed at Swansea University’s Technocamps workshop.

Notes for Editors:

• Technocamps will establish a pan Wales programme of activities and workshops designed to raise awareness amongst pupils (11-19) of potential career opportunities available in a range of computer science, technology and engineering disciplines and encourage them to study STEM with a view to pursuing such opportunities.  Visit: www.technocamps.com or www.itwales.com for more information.

• The £3.2bn Structural Funds programmes 2007-2013 in Wales include the Convergence programmes for West Wales and the Valleys (the successor to Objective 1), and the Regional Competitiveness and Employment programmes for East Wales. The programmes are delivered through the Welsh Assembly Government and are aimed at creating employment opportunities and boosting economic growth.

• Swansea University is a world-class, research-led university situated in stunning parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower peninsula, the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Founded in 1920, the University now offers around 500 undergraduate courses and 150 postgraduate courses to 15,921 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Visit www.swansea.ac.uk.

 Swansea University is a registered charity. No. 1138342. Mae Prifysgol Abertawe yn elusen gofrestredig. Rhif. 1138342.