DNA and Beyond

How do we know what we know about the past? How can we give voice and identity back to those who came before us, especially those who have been misrepresented?

We bring together two authors and renowned experts in reconstructing past lives; one through history, the other through science.

Professor Turi King – co-presenter of BBC’s “DNA Family Secrets” – presents complex findings on DNA and genetic science in an accessible and compelling way. Her book, The Secrets of Our DNA: How Genetics Has Changed the World, tells fascinating stories of the celebrated cases she has worked on, from leading the genetic identification of Richard III to advising on the case of Mary Jane Kelly, the last victim of Jack the Ripper.

Hallie Rubenhold is a renowned author and social historian whose expertise lies in revealing stories of previously unknown women and episodes in history. Her book The Five: The Women Killed by Jack the Ripper won the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction, while her latest investigation, Story of a Murder: The Wives, The Mistress and Dr Crippen, is a page-turning account of infamous wife-murderer Dr Crippen and how an extraordinary group of women brought him to justice.

Chaired by Rachel Clarke