Sue Black

Sue Black

Sue Black (Susan Margaret Gunn) was born on May 7th, 1961 and is currently 64 years old. Sue Black was born in Inverness, Scotland. Black attended the University of Aberdeen where she received a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in human anatomy.

Sue Black is a distinguished anatomist, forensic anthropologist, and academic whose groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on the fields of forensic science and anatomy. With a career spanning decades, she has held numerous high-profile positions, including Pro Vice Chancellor at Lancaster University, where she also served as a visiting professor specializing in communications and computing. She has been a President of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland and the head of St. John’s College, Oxford, further cementing her status as a leader in academia.

In her early career, Sue taught anatomy at St Thomas’ Hospital, where she inspired many students with her deep knowledge and passion for the subject. Her academic journey led her to the University of Dundee, where she became a Professor of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology, setting new standards for research and education in her field.

Between 1992 and 2003, Sue worked under contract for both the United Nations and the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Her assignments were as challenging as they were critical, focusing on the identification of both victims and perpetrators of conflicts. This work took her to some of the most volatile regions of the world, where she provided invaluable expertise during crises.

One of her most notable roles was as the lead forensic anthropologist for the British Forensic Team in Kosovo in 1999, deployed by the FCO on behalf of the UN. This mission involved investigating war crimes and identifying human remains, contributing significantly to the pursuit of justice. Her expertise was later sought in Grenada, Sierra Leone, and Iraq, where she conducted multiple tours in 2003. In 2005, Sue played a key role in the UK’s response to the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, participating in the Thai Tsunami Victim Identification operation.

Sue has been a trailblazer in forensic identification, particularly in the development of innovative techniques for using images of hands and arms to confirm or disprove identities. This approach has become a vital tool in prosecuting pedophiles who create and distribute exploitative images. In 2009, her groundbreaking use of vein pattern analysis led to the conviction of a child abuser, marking the first time this technique was used in a criminal case. She has also founded the British Association for Forensic Anthropology and the British Association for Human Identification, organizations that have furthered research and professional standards in these areas.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sue's contributions have been recognized and celebrated in the arts and literature. Her portrait, titled Unknown Man, by artist Ken Currie, is featured in the National Galleries of Scotland. Renowned crime author Val McDermid used Sue as the inspiration for a character in her novel The Skeleton Road, a testament to Sue's influence beyond her field.

Sue has also gained public attention through her media appearances. She starred in the BBC Two series History Cold Case, which aired for two seasons and showcased her expertise in solving historical mysteries using forensic science. In 2013, she was recognized as one of BBC Radio 4’s 100 Most Powerful Women in the UK.

As an author, Sue has written two widely acclaimed books that provide a profound insight into her work and the human condition. Her debut, All That Remains: A Life in Death (2018), blends personal anecdotes, gripping case studies, and philosophical reflections to explore the many facets of death and forensic science. The book is both thought-provoking and unexpectedly humorous, offering a unique perspective on a subject often shrouded in fear and mystery. Her follow-up, Written in Bone (2020), takes readers on a journey through the human body, revealing the stories encoded in each bone and organ. From the legs to the skull, Sue shares the scientific and human tales that bones can tell, drawing on her vast experience and meticulous research.

Sue Black’s career is a testament to her brilliance, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her field. Whether in the lab, the lecture hall, or on the global stage, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to advancing knowledge, supporting justice, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and academics.

Sue Black: Awards & Accolades

Black's book, Written in Bone won the Crime Writer's Association Award, Non-Fiction Dagger, in 2021.

Black's book, All That Remains was nominated for the Crime Writer's Association Award, Non-Fiction Dagger, in 2019.

Related Authors

Fans of Sue Black also enjoy these authors:

1. Agatha Christie, author of: And Then There Were None / Ten Little Indians.
2. Erik Larson, author of: The Devil in the White City.
3. Grady Hendrix, author of: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires.
4. Richard Osman, author of the Thursday Murder Club Series.
5. Martha Wells, author of the Murderbot Diaries Series.

Sue Black: F.A.Q