Forensic Anthropology and Paleobiology

The research group Forensic Anthropology and Paleobiology focuses on two major areas of Anthropology: Forensic Anthropology and the study of Past Populations.

In the Forensic Anthropology area, the research is aimed at testing and developing methods for human identification purposes, interpretation of traumatic skeletal lesions and estimation of time since death. This research area follows Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

In the study of Past Populations area, the research aims to investigate human osteological remains recovered from archaeological contexts, with the intention of better understanding the life and death of our ancestors, and consequently, being able to apply this knowledge to current and future problems. The study of Past Populations also involves the work executed in the recovery and identification of historical figures. This area of research follows Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals: Sustainable Cities and Communities, namely with regard to strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard cultural heritage.

The Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology houses several osteological collections, namely the 21st Century Identified Skeletal Collection, the Identified Skeletal Collection subjected to thermal-induced alterations, the Unidentified Skeletal Collection of the Capuchos Cemetery, the Identified Teeth Collection from the Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology. These collections have invaluable potential, serving a dual purpose, research and teaching (the latter, emphasizing the close collaboration with the Master of Forensic Anthropology of the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Coimbra).