Luca Manelli

Dr Luca Manelli is a Lecturer in Forensic Biology at Bournemouth University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Biological and Medical Sciences. His research centers on forensic entomology, particularly the impact of fire and aquatic environments on decomposition and post-mortem interval estimation.

• PhD in Forensic Entomology, University of Winchester (2023)
• MSc in Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (2015)
• BSc (Hons) in Food and Agricultural Science and Technology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (2012)

His research interests include forensic entomology, human taphonomy, decomposition science, and wildlife crime. He investigates how insects, particularly blow flies and crayfish, interact with human remains under various environmental conditions, including burnt and submerged scenarios. His work has significant implications for estimating time since death in forensic investigations.

The recent articles reflect a consistent focus on decomposition dynamics under extreme conditions—fire and submersion—using model systems to understand insect and crustacean scavenging behavior. Key themes include the effects of burning on larval development, insect colonization patterns, and the role of Procambarus clarkii in freshwater decomposition. These studies contribute to refining minPMI estimation techniques in complex forensic cases.

Dr Manelli is an active member of the forensic science community:

• Royal Entomological Society, Member (2024–present)
• Higher Education Academy, Fellow (2022–present)
• European Association for Forensic Entomology, Board Member (2019–present)

He advises on forensic entomology casework, including insect identification and minPMI estimation for homicide and suicide investigations with the Institute of Legal Medicine, Parma. He has delivered invited lectures at universities in Italy, Portugal, the Philippines, and the UK, and regularly presents at international conferences such as the EAFE Annual Meeting. He also engages in public outreach, including events at the Natural History Museum.

Dr Manelli contributes to academic service through peer review for the Journal of Forensic Sciences and the Journal of Medical Entomology, and serves on the Science, Technology & Health Research Ethics Panel at Bournemouth University.