What can a face reveal? Explore the science of facial recognition, forensic reconstruction, and the hidden stories written into our skulls.

Title: The Secret Life of Faces: What They Reveal... and What They Don't.

Speaker: Dr Tobias Houlton, Craniofacial Anthropologist and Forensic Imaging Specialist

Faces shape our first impressions, help us recognise loved ones, and can even unlock stories from hundreds or thousands of years ago. But how much can science really learn from a face – or even a skull? Drawing on experiences ranging from forensic investigations in South Africa to reconstructing the world's first facial estimate of a shrunken head and helping restore the identities of people from the distant past, Dr Tobias Houlton explores the remarkable science behind human faces. Along the way, audiences will discover how our brains recognise faces, why they sometimes get it spectacularly wrong, and how forensic science helps reveal the extraordinary stories hidden beneath the surface.

Audience takeaways:

Why humans are exceptionally good (but far from perfect) at recognising faces.

How forensic scientists help identify unknown individuals and reconstruct faces from skeletal remains.

The surprising science behind shrunken heads, mummies and ancient identities.

Why every face tells a story – and how science helps uncover it responsibly.

How archaeology, anthropology and forensic science combine to reconnect people with their past.

Doors - 7pm - First come first served on seating. Catch up with friends and grab a drink.

Intros - 7:20pm

Talk - 7:30pm

Q&A - 8:15pm

Description supplied by the event organiser.