World-class research based on a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering and technology, and the arts and humanities.
The MU International Office is the first point of contact for international students applying for full-degree, Erasmus, Study Abroad, and Summer School programmes, and supports MU students who wish to study abroad.
Tim is the inaugural Vice-President (Students & Learning) at Maynooth University. Prior to this he was Dean of the faculty of Health & Life Sciences at Teesside University in the UK. He was also Associate Dean (Academic) and Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching) there. His first academic post was as a Lecturer in Forensic Anthropology at the University of Dundee in Scotland.
Tim's research mainly focuses on post-mortem taphonomic change to the skeleton, and the practice of forensic anthropology.
He is an active scientific advisor and consultant for a range of organisations, including governmental, NGOs and charities, universities, health tech companies and the media.
Book Chapter
Year
Publication
2015
David Errickson; Tim Thompson (2015) 'Animal Attacks and Injuries' In: Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine. [Link][DOI]
2013
Mark Butler; Tim Thompson; Éric BEL (2013) 'Exploring the implementation of head mounted camera technology in Volume Crime Scene Investigation' In: The Evolution of Policing Worldwide Innovations and Insights. [Link]
Conference Publication
Year
Publication
2019
Helen Carney; Helen Tidy; Tim Thompson (2019) BETT Show 2019, 23/01/19 Using Minecraft as a virtual field trip – an academic’s journey[Link]
2018
Rhys Williams; Tim Thompson; Caroline Hayley Orr; Gillian Taylor (2018) Theoretical Roman Archaeology Camp, Bardon Mill, United Kingdom, 22/09/18 3D investigation of Ox crania used for target practice at Vindolanda[Link]
Peer Reviewed Journal
Year
Publication
Tim Thompson 'Determining the effectiveness of non-contact three-dimensional surface scanning for the assessment of open injuries'. Journal of Forensic Sciences, . [Link]
2024
Rhys Williams; Tim Thompson; Caroline Hayley Orr; Gillian Taylor (2024) 'Developing a 3D strategy'. Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, . [Link][DOI]
2024
Thompson, T.J.U. (2024) 'The impact of climate change and sustainability initiatives on forensic practice'. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 8 . [Link][DOI]
2021
Naomi Kilburn; Rebecca L. Gowland; Hrafnhildur Halldórsdóttir; Rhys Williams; Tim Thompson (2021) 'Assessing pathological conditions in archaeological bone using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF)'. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, . [Link][DOI]
2020
Tim Thompson (2020) 'Choose your own murder: Non-linear narratives enhance student understanding in forensic science education'. Forensic Science International: Synergy, . [Link][DOI]
2020
Gargi Jani; Abraham Johnson; Utsav Parekh; Tim Thompson; Astha Pandey (2020) 'Effective approaches to three-dimensional digital reconstruction of fragmented human skeletal remains using laser surface scanning'. Forensic Science International: Synergy, . [Link][DOI]
2020
Rachelle Martyn; Oliver E. Craig ; Sarah Ellingham; Meez Islam; Luciano Fattore; Alessandra Sperduti ; Luca Bondioli ; Tim Thompson (2020) 'A re-evaluation of manner of death at Roman Herculaneum following the AD 79 eruption of Vesuvius'. Antiquity, . [Link][DOI]
2020
Alexandra L. Morton-Hayward; Tim Thompson; Jane E. Thomas-Oates; Stephen Buckley; Axel Petzold; Abigail Ramsøe; Sonia O’Connor; Matthew J. Collins (2020) 'A conscious rethink: Why is brain tissue commonly preserved in the archaeological record? Commentary on: Petrone P, Pucci P, Niola M, et al. Heat-induced brain vitrification from the Vesuvius eruption in C.E. 79. N Engl J Med 2020;382:383-4. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc1909867'. STAR: Science & Technology of Archaeological Research, . [Link][DOI]
2020
Tim Thompson; Amber Collings; Helen Earwaker; Graeme Horsman; Sherry Nakhaeizadeh; Utsav Parekh (2020) 'Forensic undergraduate education during and after the COVID-19 imposed lockdown: Strategies and reflections from India and the UK'. Forensic Science International, . [Link][DOI]
2019
Awatif Shamata; Tim Thompson (2019) 'Determining the Effectiveness of Noncontact Three‐Dimensional Surface Scanning for the Assessment of Open Injuries'. Journal of Forensic Sciences, . [Link][DOI]
2019
Sherry Nakhaeizadeh; Ruth M. Morgan; Viktor Olsson; Martin Arvidsson; Tim Thompson (2019) 'The value of eye-tracking technology in the analysis and interpretations of skeletal remains: A pilot study'. SCIENCE & JUSTICE, . [Link][DOI]
2019
Georgina Brookes; Tim Thompson (2019) 'The impact of personal perception on the identification of tattoo pattern in human identification'. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, . [Link]
2019
Rhys Williams; Tim Thompson; Caroline Orr; Andrew Birley; Gillian Taylor (2019) '3D Imaging as a Public Engagement Tool: Investigating an Ox Cranium Used in Target Practice at Vindolanda'. Theoretical Roman Archaeology Journal, . [Link][DOI]
2019
D. Errickson; H. Fawcett; Tim Thompson; Andrew Campbell (2019) 'The effect of different imaging techniques for the visualisation of evidence in court on jury comprehension'. International Journal of Legal Medicine, . [Link][DOI]
2018
T.J.U. Thompson; P. Norris (2018) 'A new method for the recovery and evidential comparison of footwear impressions using 3D structured light scanning'. SCIENCE & JUSTICE, . [Link][DOI]
2018
Awatif Shamata; Tim Thompson (2018) 'Using structured light three-dimensional surface scanning on living individuals: Key considerations and best practice for forensic medicine'. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, . [Link][DOI]
2018
James Hansford; Patricia C. Wright; Armand Rasoamiaramanana; Ventura R. Pérez; Laurie R. Godfrey; David Errickson; Tim Thompson; Samuel T. Turvey (2018) 'Early Holocene human presence in Madagascar evidenced by exploitation of avian megafauna'. Science Advances, . [Link][DOI]
2018
Awatif Shamata; Tim Thompson (2018) 'Documentation and analysis of traumatic injuries in clinical forensic medicine involving structured light three-dimensional surface scanning versus photography'. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, . [Link][DOI]
2017
B Thomas; D McKintosh; T Fildes; L Smith; F Hargrave; Meez Islam; Tim Thompson; R Layfield; D Scott; B Shaw; C. L Burrell; S Gonzalez; S Taylor (2017) 'Second-harmonic generation imaging of collagen in ancient bone'. Bone Reports, . [Link][DOI]
2017
David Errickson; I Grueso; S. J Griffith; J. M Setchell; Tim Thompson; C. E. L. (Charlie) Thompson; Rebecca L. Gowland (2017) 'Towards a best practice for the use of active non-contact surface scanning to record human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts'. International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, . [Link][DOI]
2017
Sarah T.D. Ellingham; Tim Thompson; Meez Islam (2017) 'Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy-Dispersive X-Ray (SEM/EDX)'. Journal of Forensic Sciences, . [Link][DOI]
2016
S. J Griffith; C. E. L. (Charlie) Thompson; Tim Thompson; Rebecca L. Gowland (2016) 'Experimental abrasion of water submerged bone: the influence of bombardment by different sediment classes on microabrasion rate'. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, . [Link][DOI]
2016
Tim Thompson; J Szigeti; Rebecca L. Gowland; R. E Witcher (2016) 'Death on the frontier: military cremation practices in the north of Roman Britain'. JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE, . [Link][DOI]
2016
Ellingham, S.T.D.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Islam, M. (2016) 'The Effect of Soft Tissue on Temperature Estimation from Burnt Bone Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy'. Journal of Forensic Sciences, . [Link][DOI]
2016
Theresia Ralebitso-Senior; Tim Thompson; Helen Carney (2016) 'Microbial Ecogenomics and Forensic Archaeology: New Methods for Investigating Clandestine Gravesites'. Human Remains and Violence: An Interdisciplinary Journal, . [Link][DOI]
2016
Piga, G.; Guirguis, M.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Isidro, A.; Enzo, S.; Malgosa, A. (2016) 'A case of semi-combusted pregnant female in the Phoenician-Punic necropolis of Monte Sirai (Carbonia, Sardinia, Italy)'. HOMO- Journal of Comparative Human Biology, . [Link][DOI]
2016
Giampaolo Piga; David Gonçalves; Tim Thompson; Antonio Brunetti; Assumpció Malgosa; Stefano Enzo (2016) 'Understanding the Crystallinity Indices Behavior of Burned Bones and Teeth by ATR-IR and XRD in the Presence of Bioapatite Mixed with Other Phosphate and Carbonate Phases'. International Journal of Spectroscopy, . [Link][DOI]
2015
Piga, G.; Malgosa, A.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Guirguis, M.; Enzo, S. (2015) 'A unique case of prone position in the primary cremation tomb 252 of monte sirai necropolis (Carbonia, Sardinia, Italy)'. International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, . [Link][DOI]
2015
Ellingham, S.T.D.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Islam, M. (2015) 'Thermogravimetric analysis of property changes and weight loss in incinerated bone'. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, . [Link][DOI]
2015
Garrido-Varas, C.; Rathnasinghe, R.; Thompson, T.; Savriama, Y. (2015) 'A New Method to Pair-match Metacarpals Using Bilateral Asymmetry and Shape Analysis'. Journal of Forensic Sciences, . [Link][DOI]
2015
Olakanye, A.O.; Thompson, T.; Ralebitso-Senior, T.K. (2015) 'Shifts in soil biodiversity-A forensic comparison between Sus scrofa domesticus and vegetation decomposition'. Science and Justice, . [Link][DOI]
2015
Chimutsa, M.; Olakanye, A.O.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Ralebitso-Senior, T.K. (2015) 'Soil fungal community shift evaluation as a potential cadaver decomposition indicator'. Forensic Science International, . [Link][DOI]
2015
Gonçalves, D.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Cunha, E. (2015) 'Sexual dimorphism of the lateral angle of the internal auditory canal and its potential for sex estimation of burned human skeletal remains'. International Journal of Legal Medicine, . [Link][DOI]
2015
Ellingham, S.T.D.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Islam, M.; Taylor, G. (2015) 'Estimating temperature exposure of burnt bone - A methodological review'. Science and Justice, . [Link][DOI]
2014
Olakanye, A.O.; Thompson, T.; Komang Ralebitso-Senior, T. (2014) 'Changes to soil bacterial profiles as a result of Sus scrofa domesticus decomposition'. Forensic Science International, . [Link][DOI]
2014
Tim Thompson; Andrew Campbell (2014) 'Parámetros métricos para la determinación de sexo en restos esqueletales Chilenos modernos'. Chungara, . [Link][DOI]
2014
DeBattista, R.; Tidy, H.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Robertson, P. (2014) 'An investigation into the persistence of textile fibres on buried carcasses'. Science and Justice, . [Link][DOI]
2014
Garrido-Varas, C.; Thompson, T.; Campbell, A. (2014) 'Metric parameters for sex determination of modern Chilean skeletal remains | Parámetros métricos para la determinación de sexo en restos esqueletales Chilenos modernos'. Chungara, . [Link]
2014
Bergmann, R.C.; Ralebitso-Senior, T.K.; Thompson, T.J.U. (2014) 'An RNA-based analysis of changes in biodiversity indices in response to Sus scrofa domesticus decomposition'. Forensic Science International, . [Link][DOI]
2014
Gonçalves, D.; Cunha, E.; Thompson, T.J.U. (2014) 'Estimation of the pre-burning condition of human remains in forensic contexts'. International Journal of Legal Medicine, . [Link][DOI]
2014
Errickson, D.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Rankin, B.W.J. (2014) 'The application of 3D visualization of osteological trauma for the courtroom: A critical review'. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, . [Link][DOI]
2013
DeBattista, R.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Thompson, C.E.L.; Gowland, R.L. (2013) 'A comparison of surface features on submerged and non-submerged bone using scanning electron microscopy'. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, . [Link][DOI]
2013
Piga, G.; Solinas, G.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Brunetti, A.; Malgosa, A.; Enzo, S. (2013) 'Is X-ray diffraction able to distinguish between animal and human bones?'. JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE, . [Link][DOI]
2013
Gonçalves, D.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Cunha, E. (2013) 'Osteometric sex determination of burned human skeletal remains'. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, . [Link][DOI]
2013
Gonçalves, D.; Cunha, E.; Thompson, T.J.U. (2013) 'Weight references for burned human skeletal remains from portuguese samples'. Journal of Forensic Sciences, . [Link][DOI]
2013
Starkie, A.; White, L.; Thompson, T. (2013) 'An investigation into the effects of decomposition on the post-mortem location of trans-dermal artefacts'. Forensic Science International, . [Link][DOI]
2013
Thompson, T.J.U.; Islam, M.; Bonniere, M. (2013) 'A new statistical approach for determining the crystallinity of heat-altered bone mineral from FTIR spectra'. JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE, . [Link][DOI]
2011
Tim Thompson; Meez Islam; Kiran Piduru; Anne Marcel (2011) 'An investigation into the internal and external variables acting on crystallinity index using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy on unaltered and burned bone'. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, . [Link][DOI]
2011
Garrido Varas, C.E.; Thompson, T.J.U. (2011) 'Metric dimensions of the proximal phalanges of the human hand and their relationship to side, position, and asymmetry'. HOMO- Journal of Comparative Human Biology, . [Link][DOI]
2011
Starkie, A.; Birch, W.; Ferllini, R.; Thompson, T.J. (2011) 'Investigation into the merits of infrared imaging in the investigation of tattoos postmortem'. Journal of Forensic Sciences, . [Link][DOI]
2011
Squires, K.E.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Islam, M.; Chamberlain, A. (2011) 'The application of histomorphometry and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to the analysis of early Anglo-Saxon burned bone'. JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE, . [Link][DOI]
2011
Thompson, C.E.L.; Ball, S.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Gowland, R. (2011) 'The abrasion of modern and archaeological bones by mobile sediments: The importance of transport modes'. JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE, . [Link][DOI]
2011
Gonçalves, D.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Cunha, E. (2011) 'Implications of heat-induced changes in bone on the interpretation of funerary behaviour and practice'. JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE, . [Link][DOI]
2009
Thompson, T.J.U.; Gauthier, M.; Islam, M. (2009) 'The application of a new method of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to the analysis of burned bone'. JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE, . [Link][DOI]
2009
Giampaolo Piga; Tim Thompson; Assumpciò Malgosa; Stefano Enzo (2009) 'The Potential of X-Ray Diffraction in the Analysis of Burned Remains from Forensic Contexts'. Journal of Forensic Sciences, . [Link][DOI]
2009
Thompson, T.J.U.; Inglis, J. (2009) 'Differentiation of serrated and non-serrated blades from stab marks in bone'. International Journal of Legal Medicine, . [Link][DOI]
2008
Tim Thompson (2008) 'The Role of the Photograph in the Application of Forensic Anthropology and the Interpretation of Clandestine Scenes of Crime'. Photography & Culture, . [Link][DOI]
2008
Piga, G.; Malgosa, A.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Enzo, S. (2008) 'A new calibration of the XRD technique for the study of archaeological burned human remains'. JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE, . [Link][DOI]
2007
Thompson, T.J.U.; Chudek, J.A. (2007) 'A novel approach to the visualisation of heat-induced structural change in bone'. Science and Justice, . [Link][DOI]
2005
Tim Thompson (2005) 'Heat-induced dimensional changes in bone and their consequences for forensic anthropology'. Journal of Forensic Sciences, . [Link][DOI]
2004
Thompson, T.J.U. (2004) 'Recent advances in the study of burned bone and their implications for forensic anthropology'. Forensic Science International, . [Link][DOI]
2003
Tim Thompson (2003) 'Supply and demand: The shifting expectations of forensic anthropology in the United Kingdom'. Science and Justice, . [Link][DOI]
2003
Hiller, J.C.; Thompson, T.J.U.; Evison, M.P.; Chamberlain, A.T.; Wess, T.J. (2003) 'Bone mineral change during experimental heating: An X-ray scattering investigation'. Biomaterials, . [Link][DOI]
2003
Thompson, T.J.U.; Evison, M.P. (2003) 'Forensic Anthropology in the United Kingdom - Current trends, problems and concerns'. Science and Justice - Journal of the Forensic Science Society, . [Link]
2003
Thompson, T.J.U. (2003) 'Supply and demand: The shifting expectations of forensic anthropology in the United Kingdom'. Science and Justice - Journal of the Forensic Science Society, . [Link]
2002
Tim Thompson (2002) 'The assessment of sex in cremated individuals: Some cautionary notes'. Journal of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science, . [Link]
2001
Thompson, T. (2001) 'Legal and ethical considerations of forensic anthropological research'. Science and Justice - Journal of the Forensic Science Society, . [Link]
2001
Tim Thompson (2001) 'Legal and ethical considerations of forensic anthropological research'. Science and Justice, . [Link][DOI]
Other Publication
Year
Publication
2019
Rhys Williams; Tim Thompson; Caroline Hayley Orr; Gillian Taylor (2019) Method development for mapping archaeological soil using pXRF.[Link]
2019
Rhys Williams; Tim Thompson; Caroline Hayley Orr; Andrew Birley; Gillian Taylor (2019) 3D imaging for visualising Roman activity at Vindolanda.[Link]
2018
Rhys Williams; Tim Thompson; Caroline Hayley Orr; Gillian Taylor (2018) 3D imaging as a cracking approach to analysing and presenting skeletal fractures.[Link]
2018
Rhys Williams; Tim Thompson; Caroline Hayley Orr; Gillian Taylor (2018) Bullseye: Analysis of Ox skulls used for target practice at Roman Vindolanda.[Link]
2018
Sarah Ellingham; M Sandholzer; Tim Thompson; Meez Islam; Gillian Taylor (2018) The Use of Micro-Computed Tomography to Determine Volumetric Shrinkage Patterns of Thermally Damaged Bone.[Link]
2007
Tim Thompson; Sue Black (2007) Forensic human identification. [Edited Book] [Link]
Book
Year
Publication
2017
Tim Thompson; David Errickson (2017) Human Remains: Another Dimension.[Link]
