Internationally acclaimed forensic pathologist Dr John Clark will give the 2026 Poynter Lecture entitled “Buried Evidence” on Saturday 20 June.
The lecture take place at 17.00 to 18.00 online and in person at the University of St Andrews as part of the summer meeting of the Scottish Society of the History of Medicine.
In addition to a career in Aberdeen, Sheffield and Glasgow, John has been Chief Pathologist for the International Criminal Tribunal in the former Yugoslavia relating to the investigation of mass graves from the Balkans Wars. His expertise has also led to involvement with the International Criminal Court, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the European Court of Human Rights, where his expert testimony played a major role in convicting three former heads of state on charges of war crimes.
Pathologists continue to play a major role in the investigation of mass deaths in conflicts and war crimes. In recognition of this significant and often harrowing aspect of the history of medicine, BSHM is delighted that Dr Clark will deliver this lecture, which is open to all.
The cost to attend the lecture online is £10. Prices for in person attendance at the Scottish Society of the History of Medicine meeting start at £50.
Register and pay: SSHM & BSHM Summer Conference 2026 – Fill out form The deadline to register to attend in person is 21:00, 19 May 2026.
About the Poynter Lecture
The BSHM biennial Poynter Lecture commemorates the many and varied contributions of Noël Poynter’s to the study of the history of medicine. Poynter, past president of BSHM, was Director of the Wellcome Institute of the History of Medicine from 1964 to 1973. The lecture takes place in alternate years with the BSHM Congress.