Thursday 14th May - Friday 15th May 2026

The course will take place in-person at the University of York on Thursday 14th May and Friday 15th May 2026. The course will run from 9:30am to 5:00pm on Thursday and from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Friday.

Face-to-Face (University of York)

Course Leader: FoSS team - Forensic Speech Services at the University of York

This two day course will provide attendees with an overview of how speech and audio can be used as evidence and an introduction to the field of forensic speech science. 

The course will provide participants with:

• Better understanding of the types of tasks which can be undertaken by speech and audio experts

• Increased awareness regarding collection and submission of recorded material

• Broader knowledge about forensic speaker comparison, including the range of methods applied

• Greater understanding about how experts arrive at conclusions and the value of speech and audio evidence

• Knowledge about the role of regulation and accreditation in forensic speech science

Course Description

The course is intended for those who want to learn more about how speech and audio are analysed for evidential purposes and this area of forensic science. A range of topics will be covered and sessions will include a mix of practical tasks and theoretical content. 

The first day will provide an overview of different types of speech and audio evidence and what is and isn’t possible. We will discuss important practical considerations when collecting material for evidential purposes. Throughout both days, attendees will develop an understanding about the range of methods applied in forensic speaker comparison - the most common type of voice evidence - including the combined auditory-acoustic method, and automatic speaker recognition. Sessions will cover how experts arrive at conclusions and the place of speech and audio evidence in the court. Consideration will be made of the role of regulation and accreditation in forensic speech science and the implications of this.  

Note: This course is not intended to provide attendees with the skills and knowledge to carry out forensic speech and audio analysis. It is intended to raise awareness and give an understanding of how speech and audio can be used as evidence.