Students on the MA International Relations and Security course recently took part in a hands-on Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) exercise, offering them direct exposure to forensic investigation practices and international security procedures used in real-world crisis and conflict situations.
The workshop simulated operational conditions aligned with protocols used by INTERPOL, focusing on how human remains are recovered, documented, and identified following mass casualty events.The session provided practical exposure to:
- Collecting and documenting human remains from a crime/disaster scene
- Understanding forensic protocols and chain of custody
- Preparing detailed crime and identification reports
- Analysing evidence with precision where even a single minute detail matters.
One participating student, Ravinder Kumar, reflected on the experience, highlighting its interdisciplinary nature and how it connected forensic science with broader issues of international law, humanitarian ethics, and human dignity.
1. Understanding the role of DVI in International Security
During the workshop discussion, DVI was described as an internationally standardised process used to identify individuals who have died in mass fatality incidents. The method relies on strict forensic protocols to ensure accurate, lawful, and dignified identification of victims.
Kumar explained that the importance of DVI extends beyond technical investigation:
“It is not only a technical or forensic process. It is also a connected issue of human security, human dignity, state responsibility, institutional capacity, and humanitarian ethics.”
2. Simulation of international security roles
Alongside the forensic component, students also stepped into simulated diplomatic and institutional roles, including representation aligned with NATO-style decision-making frameworks. These elements were designed to demonstrate how international organisations coordinate evidence assessment and crisis response in multi-agency environments.
The session referenced operational principles associated with NATO, particularly in relation to verification, coordination, and structured response during conflict-related emergencies.
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3. Academic insight and student reflection
The workshop was led by Dr Lily Hamourtziadou, who emphasised the value of practice-based learning in preparing students for careers in international security and diplomacy.
Reflecting on career pathways, students discussed how opportunities in international relations extend beyond overseas postings. As highlighted during the session, roles within the UK can also involve global engagement through institutions such as MI5 and the Home Office, where professionals frequently collaborate with international partners.
This global interconnectedness was a key theme of the discussion, reinforcing that security work today is rarely confined by geography.
4. Developing practical skills for global careers
Student Ravinder Kumar also emphasised the importance of combining academic learning with practical application:
“What makes the course great is combining academic rigour, contemporary relevance, and practical insight. It encourages students not only to learn, but also think critically… For anyone who wants to build a serious understanding of international affairs, governance, diplomacy, and security, it provides a very strong foundation.”
He added that the programme is particularly valuable for students seeking to engage seriously with global affairs and develop a deeper understanding of international systems.
5. Negotiation, conflict, and real-world application
The workshop also connected DVI training with broader modules in the programme, including diplomatic negotiation exercises. These simulations place students in conflict scenarios, such as humanitarian crises or geopolitical tensions where they must negotiate outcomes like ceasefires or aid delivery.
According to academic staff, these exercises are designed to build real-world competencies in diplomacy, negotiation, and crisis management, reflecting the increasing demand for professionals capable of navigating complex global challenges.
6. Preparing the next generation of security professionals
The session concluded with reflections on the importance of preparing students for careers in international security, diplomacy, and humanitarian response. As global crises continue to evolve, the ability to combine forensic awareness, policy understanding, and negotiation skills is becoming increasingly vital.
For students at BCU, the DVI exercise offered not only technical training but also a deeper understanding of the ethical and human dimensions of international security work, an experience that many described as both challenging and transformative.