Workshop. Introduction to Diatoms as Environmental Indicators in Forensic Investigations

📍 TalTech Särghaua Earth Science Centre

This workshop will be conducted in English.

This workshop provides an introduction to the importance of diatoms and their diverse applications, with particular emphasis on their role in forensic investigations. Participants will explore the ecological diversity of diatoms across marine, brackish, and freshwater environments, with special attention to their function as trace evidence in forensic contexts. Core topics include the fundamentals of diatom morphology and identification, the interpretation of diatom assemblages in forensic casework, and key methodological considerations such as contamination control and environmental specificity. The programme is enriched with practical examples drawn from real forensic investigations.

Keynote lectures will be delivered by experts from the University of Helsinki and the University of Turku. The workshop is organised by the Department of Geology at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) and will take place at the Särghaua Earth Science Centre from 12–14 May 2026. The working language of the workshop is English. Participants of the summer school will be driven to the venue by bus from Tallinn (Taltech main building parking lot). Accommodation is provided at Särghaua.

To register, please write to atko.heinsalu@taltech.ee. Registration deadline is March 13, 2026.
The maximum number of participants is 14. Participants will be selected based on the order of registration.

In case of questions, please contact Atko Heinsalu (atko.heinsalu@taltech.ee) or Merlin Liiv (merlin.liiv@taltech.ee).

Estonian Doctoral School for Natural and Agricultural Sciences.