News and press interest – 7th March 2002

Inforce's CEO, Prof Margaret Cox has won a prestigious European Woman of Achievement Award.

Prof Cox won the 'Humanitarian' category of the awards for her work in the investigation of war graves and her ongoing efforts to establish the world's first International Forensic Centre of Excellence for the Investigation of Genocide.
 
“Winning this award is extraordinary,” says Prof Cox. “The achievements of some of these women is awesome and it was quite humbling just being there. When you realise the calibre of the other nominees, you feel like a winner just being invited to take part.”

The awards, organised by the European Union of Women, British Section, were presented at a luncheon in the Great Room of London's Grovesnor House Hotel. The Humanitarian category was sponsored by Ford (Europe).

A regular member of Channel 4's Time Team, Prof Cox's nomination was prompted by a television appearance on a recent BBC2 documentary about her work with the Ministry of Defence in identifying the remains of soldiers from the first world war battlefields of Belgium and France.

As Professor in Forensic and Biological Anthropology, Prof Cox’s diverse life has taken her from managing a Dorset chocolate shop some 20 years ago to recognition as one of the world’s leading experts in her field. Prof Cox’s Masters programmes in Forensic Archaeology and Forensic and Biological Anthropology remain amongst the most popular offered by Bournemouth University, with graduates from all over the world taking professional positions where their practical experience can support police and other forms of evidential enquiry. Graduate destinations include a multitude of forensic organisations around the world including the ICTY, PHR and ICMP. Closer to home, many work as Scene of Crime Officers and for the Forensic Science Service.

“Forensic Archaeology appeals to me because it presents a unique opportunity to apply a broad range of scientific skill in such a variety of ways,” she enthuses. “We never know what we will encounter.”

“What gives me a real sense of satisfaction is the knowledge that my work may be of help to someone,” Prof Cox concludes. “I know that my students feel the same way that somehow their scientific knowledge can touch everyday lives and that some good will come from our investigations."

The other short-listed candiates in the ‘Humanitarian’ category of the 2002 European Women of Achievement Awards were Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive, National Canine Defence League; Angela Harding, Founder, The Speech, Language and Hearing Centre; Diana Lamplugh, OBE, Founder, The Suzy Lamplugh Trust; and Diana Schumacher, Founder, Environmental Law Foundation.