Project details
Identification often forms a crucial aspect of mass grave investigations, though it is commonly understood as an obligation of means. The identification of human remains is a precondition for the return of remains to families to facilitate commemorative practices but also for the family to receive a death certificate. In scenarios where large numbers of human remains are found in mass graves, DNA testing by an accredited laboratory is a reliable way to make science-led identifications, but it may not be readily available in-country.
As new technologies for identification emerge, concerns surrounding access to, and protection of, information and individuals’ data are likely to persist and even increase, with leading experts in migrant family reunification calling for ‘international guidelines and best practices for a DNA-led approach’ significantly, emerging technologies require explication not only in terms of the type of information they reveal (for example, new DNA technology called short tandem repeats (STRs)) but also on how the information might render itself to exploitation beyond the main identification purpose.
The cross-border transfer of this information, its vulnerabilities, third party involvement, data sharing and disposition are all areas for review. Whilst there is some general discussion of the issue in the literature clear linkages to mass grave investigations would help to ensure that a DNA-led framework (including database management, informed consent, sampling, analysis, chain of custody and reporting standards) is compatible with a human rights framework.
This PhD project will analyse, and where needed proffer, good governance in relation to data and sample protection, transfer, storage, disposition, ownership and sharing, thereby making a vital contribution to families and all stakeholders involved in investigation and identification processes.
View full project description (PDF 223kb)
The closing date for applications is 5 May 2024
Supervisors
Dr Melanie Klinkner is an international law scholar and, together with Dr Ellie Smith, author of the Bournemouth Protocol on Mass Grave Protection and Investigation. In January 2023 she was awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant (£1.6 mio, funded through the UKRI guarantee for Frontier Research) to develop a comprehensive human rights framework for Mass Grave Protection, Investigation and Engagement (MaGPIE). She led an Arts and Humanities Research Council Research Leaders Fellowship for the creation of mass grave protection guidelines with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) as project partner. In addition, she was the Principal Investigator on a Global Challenges Research Fund project on how to humanise the process of mass grave protection and investigation from the representative perspective of victims’ families. Presently she is working on a Leverhulme funded project to explore the merit of open source mass grave mapping. Together with Dr Howard Davis she is author of the monograph ‘The Right to the Truth in International Law’ (published by Routledge, 2020). During Trinity Term 2018 she was a Research Visitor at Oxford University's Bonavero Institute of Human Rights. Since February 2021 she is a member of the 'Panel of Experts on Missing Persons' for the ICMP. At Bournemouth University she teaches public international law, international criminal law and international human rights law.
Funding
A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £18,622 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 months.
Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.
Academic support
The Research Development Programme, developed by the Doctoral College in line with the Researcher Development Framework (Vitae).An added benefit is the opportunity to meet researchers from other academic schools at BU through the activities of the Doctoral College and benefit from their experiences, skills, and perspectives.
Full entry requirements
The BU PhD and MRes Studentships are open to UK, EU and International students.
Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree (or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent
- An IELTS (Academic) score of 7.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.5 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.
In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.
Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (approximately 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.
Please note:
- current BU Doctoral students are not eligible to apply for a Studentship
- current MRes/MPhil students can apply, subject to satisfactory completion of their Research Degree prior to being able to take up the award
- PhD Studentships cannot be used to support BU staff to complete doctoral programmes.
International entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:
IELTS (Academic) score of 7.5 (with a minimum 6.5 in each component) or equivalent.
View further information about our English language requirements.
A number of pre-sessional English and preparatory programmes are offered through our partner institution, Bournemouth University International College, and will get you ready for study at BU at the appropriate level.
You can also find further details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our postgraduate entry requirements page.
How to apply
Click the green ‘Apply now’ button at the top of the page and complete the online application form. You can find further guidance about applying for a postgraduate research degree in our Postgraduate Research section.
The closing date for applications 5 May 2024.
Careers
A research degree can open new career opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy, or could lead you to starting your own business. You may alternatively consider a career in academia. You may wish to undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a specialist subject, or develop your employability by enhancing your skills in project management and analysis.
