Forensic psychiatry will come under the spotlight at two public events in Aberdeen city and shire this week.
Dr Partha Gangopadhyay will explain the background to his profession to audiences at Banchory’s Woodend Barn on Tuesday (April 13) and Waterstone’s Union Bridge branch in Aberdeen on Wednesday (April 14).
Both events begin at 7pm and are free to attend.
Dr Gangopadhyay’s talks are the latest in the University of Aberdeen’s Café Scientifique series, which aims to providea public forum for debate and discussion around highly topical issues in science.
Dr Gangopadhyay will draw from examples of high profile cases which have appeared in the media where people accused of crimes are said to suffer from mental illness, to explain the role a forensic psychiatrist plays within the legal system.
He will also provide a unique insight into the different elements of his occupation - which include support of prison health services and acting as an expert witness in court cases.
Dr Gangopadhyay said: “The role of a forensic psychiatrist is to work at the interface between medicine and law.
“We work closely with the legal system providing assessment in cases where the person accused or convicted of a crime has a suspected mental disorder, and also advice on treatment taking into account the risk that person poses to society and to themselves.
“I hope these two talks will provide a unique insight into my occupation.”
Booking is not required at either the Waterstone’s or Woodend Barn events.
For information on all of the events taking place as part of the Café Scientifique series visit: www.abdn.ac.uk/science/cafescience/ or contact Dr Ken Skeldon Head of the University of Aberdeen’s Public Engagement with Science Unit by email at k.skeldon@abdn.ac.uk .
Café Scientifique is supported by a science engagement grant from the Scottish Government.