How the Glasgow bombings of the 1800s shaped how we investigate terrorism today.

If you are a true crime enthusiast, history buff, or simply intrigued by the fusion of science and justice, this deep-dive talk promises riveting discussions and thought-provoking insights about the history of terrorism and its investigation in the UK.

Based on the latest multi-award winning podcast series from Inside Forensic Science, a panel of experts, led by broadcaster Pennie Stuart, looks closely at what happened during a series of bombings in Glasgow in the late 1800s, and how those events shaped the ways we investigate terrorism today.

To help you get familiar with the topics our experts will be discussing, listen to the latest series of Inside Forensic Science before joining us for the talk.

Can't attend in-person? Watch online!

This is a hybrid event. This event page is for the in-person tickets only. If you would like to attend online, please book your tickets through the online (livestreamed) event page.

Important points to note

This event is suitable for age 16+

Event format: This event is a talk and will involve some speakers sharing talking followed by a Q&A. There may be some interactive parts of the event but you can just sit back and enjoy listening.

Content warning: Please note that this event will contain discussion of graphic content that is not suitable for children. We will be discussing cases of terrorism in the UK and the use of explosives in acts of terrorism. The podcast includes content including the sounds of explosions, statements from victims, descriptions of the damage, and injuries to victims. Some of this material may be brought up in the panel.

Filming: Livestreaming and photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.

SPEAKER

Professor Niamh Nic Daeid FRSE

Director, Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee

Niamh Nic Daéid FRSE is an Irish forensic scientist, and the Professor of Forensic Science and Director of Research at the University of Dundee. She is a Chartered Chemist and an authorised Forensic Chemist with specialisms including fire investigation, clandestine drug chemistry and explosives. She undertakes forensic casework, primarily in fire scene investigation and has appeared as an expert witness for the Courts. She has chaired the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) fire and explosion Investigation working group, the INTERPOL forensic science managers symposium and was deputy chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Criminal Court.

SPEAKER

Professor Aileen Fyfe

Historian of science, technology and publishing

Professor Aileen Fyfe is a historian of science, technology and publishing, with particular interests in the construction and communication of knowledge, and the way in which scholarly communities operate. Her recent work has investigated the history of academic publishing from the seventeenth century to the present day, including the financial models underpinning scientific journals, and their editorial and reviewing processes. She has also studied popular science publishing in the nineteenth century, and is currently investigating the ways in which information was gathered, organised and shared in Victorian Britain.

CHAIR

Pennie Stuart

Director of Adventurous Audio

Pennie is the Director of Adventurous Audio productions and the producer and narrator of the Inside Forensic Science Podcast. She is an experienced producer and presenter and previously worked for the BBC.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 5 − Sunday 13 September 2026!

Curious is Scotland’s annual festival of knowledge. Across its seven-year history, Curious has welcomed over 10,000 attendees into its yearly programme of talks, workshops, discussions and exhibitions – all covering different topics and subject areas. There’s no need for you to have any prior specialist knowledge before coming along, just bring your curious self! With plenty of events both in person and online, you can take part from anywhere.

You can check out the full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact curious@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website.

Step-free access: Ramped access for visitors is available via 26 George Street through Lakeland. Upon arrival, please call 0131 240 5000 and a member of staff will meet you and guide you to the event. Please note that the entrance ramp has a steep gradient (1:12).

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space t

Description supplied by the event organiser.