International recognition for world-first virtual autopsy courses

Our pioneering courses for virtual autopsies have become the first in the world to be accredited by the foremost society for forensic imaging.

The University offers three postgraduate courses in the imaging technique, the first of their type in the UK when launched in 2016, through the East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit and Imaging Unit:

•       PG Cert Post Mortem Radiology for Natural and Forensic Death Investigation

•       PG Dip Post Mortem Radiology for Natural and Forensic Death Investigation

•       MSc Post Mortem Radiology for Natural and Forensic Death Investigation

All three courses as well as standalone modules and residential CPD courses from the Unit have been fully accredited by the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging (ISFRI), the principal society for forensic imaging in the world.

They launched their accreditation scheme at their May 2018 meeting in Melbourne, Australia with the aim of becoming the benchmark for excellence in the future.

Those accepted onto these degrees will be learning from global pioneers in the field of post-mortem computed tomography imaging.

Professor Guy Rutty, a past Chair (president) of ISFRI, said: “We hope that gaining this accreditation will inspire students that have an enthusiasm for pathology work to consider furthering their studies at Leicester, especially considering the high standards that accreditation by ISFRI recognises. We are extremely pleased to be the first to achieve this recognition and hope that others will follow us as this way they support the ISFRI initiative.”

The courses were recognised by a joint award to the East Midlands Pathology Unit and the University Hospitals of Leicester's Department of Radiology at the UHL Educator Awards 2018 in the 'Innovation Award' category for providing and promoting excellent educational innovation.