During British Science Week, we celebrate the people whose curiosity, expertise and dedication help us understand the past through science. The discovery and identification of Richard III of England in 2012 was not only an extraordinary historical moment, but also a remarkable scientific collaboration.

Many people worked together on the project, combining archaeology, forensic science, geology and facial reconstruction to build a clearer picture of the last Plantagenet king. In a previous blog we highlighted the work of Philippa Langley. Here, we celebrate some of the other remarkable women whose expertise helped reveal Richard’s story.

Turi King - Unlocking history through the power of genetics.

For British Science Week we recognise the extraordinary determination and impact of Turi King, who was the first person brought onto the project by Richard Buckley: her role was to lead the ‘clean’ portion of the excavation and the identification of any putative remains of King Richard III. Turi’s career started in archaeology in Canada and later at the University of Cambridge. She then moved to the University of Leicester wanting to learn genetics as a means to answering questions in history and archaeology, working under Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys who invented DNA fingerprinting. She carried out her Masters, PhD and postdocs in the Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester. Turi led the ‘clean excavations’ portion of the excavation which were brought to bear after Matthew Morris spotted a leg bone on the very first day of the dig. Jo Appleby excavated the attached skeleton and Turi led on identification process. This included genetic and statistical analysis which showed that these were the remains of King Richard III: with a positive identification, this allowed him to be buried with dignity and honour in Leicester Cathedral in 2015.

Turi started doing television and radio as a PhD student and has since gone on to present and co-present on television, radio and podcasts. Among others, she co-presented BBC’s DNA Family Secrets, C4’s Hitler’s DNA and Orphan Smith, named one of Audible’s best podcasts of 2025.

Dr Jo Appleby – Understanding the Skeleton
Archaeologist Jo Appleby played a leading role in both the excavation of the remains and the osteological analysis of the skeleton. Osteology is the scientific study of bones, and her careful examination helped confirm important details about the individual discovered beneath the former Grey Friars site in Leicester.
Dr Appleby analysed the skeleton for evidence of trauma, determining that the wounds found on the bones occurred at or around the time of death. Her work also involved detailed study of the spine, teeth and other skeletal features. Through this scientific analysis, researchers were able to estimate age at death, confirm the individual’s sex, and better understand Richard’s physical condition during his lifetime, including the scoliosis that affected his spine.

Professor Sarah Hainsworth – Analysing the Fatal Wounds
Forensic engineering expert Sarah Hainsworth led the analysis of the injuries found on the skeleton. Using advanced imaging techniques, including CT scans, she examined the wounds to identify the types of weapons that may have caused them.
Her research provided crucial insight into the battle injuries sustained at the Battle of Bosworth Field and helped reconstruct the likely sequence of blows that led to Richard’s death. The CT scan data she produced also supported other scientific work carried out during the project.

Professor Jane Evans and Professor Angela Lamb – Tracing Diet and Life History
Scientists Jane Evans and Angela Lamb, both specialists in isotope analysis at the British Geological Survey, helped uncover details about Richard’s life through chemical signatures preserved in his teeth and bones.
Isotope analysis can reveal information about a person’s diet and the environments they lived in. Their work suggested a diet rich in high-status foods and even indicated significant wine consumption later in life. The findings also supported historical records about where Richard spent different periods of his life.

Professor Caroline Wilkinson – Reconstructing a Face from the Past
One of the most recognisable outcomes of the project was the facial reconstruction of Richard III, created by forensic anthropologist Caroline Wilkinson, Director of the Face Lab.

Using detailed scans of the skull, Professor Wilkinson and her team produced a scientifically informed reconstruction of Richard’s face. This work has been invaluable in helping people connect with the history of the king as a real individual, rather than simply a figure in chronicles and plays.

Audrey Strange – A Pioneer Ahead of Her Time
Long before the excavation began, historian and writer Audrey Strange played an important role in keeping interest in Richard III alive. Through articles written for the Richard III Society, she explored possible locations for the lost Grey Friars church and advocated for an excavation many years before the search finally took place.
Her early research and enthusiasm helped lay some of the groundwork for the ideas that would eventually lead to the rediscovery of the king.

Science, Collaboration and Discovery
The discovery of Richard III beneath a car park in Leicester captured the world’s imagination, but it was also a powerful demonstration of how science and history work together. Archaeology, forensic engineering, isotope geochemistry and facial reconstruction all played vital roles in telling the story.

During British Science Week, it is especially fitting to celebrate the many scientists who contributed their expertise to the project. The work of these women, alongside many others, helped transform a historic mystery into one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of our time.