The use of bones and teeth to support human identification has been around for many years as has the use of artefacts found near a body or in a body. However, as far as we are aware, there is no database or resource about implants and other related items that may be found in the body and how these can be used to aid identification or a complete list that is looking at the historical items that may be found nor looking at the implications for Forensic Scientists of the new materials and implants that may start to appear at a post-mortem or in a grave along with skeletal remains.

It is only when you start to think of the categories of items that could be found from current, let alone historical, procedures that in can be realised what a massive area and number of implants that need to be covered.

This project then is starting to address these issues to provide:

• A resource for Forensic Scientists and Pathologist to support investigations
• Teaching materials for Forensic Science an other educational programmes
• An insight into the historical use of implants and how this has changed over the years
• A database that can support criminal investigations, this may also include links to other existing databases or information about their location.
• The resource will include where possible photographic and radiographic images as aids to identification