Professor David L Hawksworth CBE
BSc(Hons) PhD DSc FD(hc) FRSB CBiol FIMA FLS
Mycologist
Professor David Hawksworth is an expert mycologist with over 50 years experience.
Mycology is the study of fungi, and he is particularly concerned with their identification and application in forensic and environmental investigations, especially microscopic fungi (including moulds) and lichens. In forensic science, he uses them as trace evidence in linking people or objects with places, in estimating post-mortem intervals from growths on human remains, ascertaining times of deposition and investigating causes of poisonings.
Professor Hawksworth also undertakes site surveys, environmental investigations, assessments of air pollution using lichens, investigation of mould growth due to water damage in buildings, and moulds on foods and manufactured items.
Since 2007, his clients have included thirteen UK police forces and also the Dutch police (involving 22 cases of murder, manslaughter and rape), insurance companies and manufacturers. He has served as an expert witness in five murder trials, as well as two Civil Court cases and two Coroner’s Court cases concerned with damage and health risks from indoor moulds. He has been recognised as an expert adviser by the National Crime Agency since 2007.
He was Director of the International Mycological Institute (Kew and Egham) from 1983-97, then served as a research professor in the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. He is currently a Visiting Professor in the University of Southampton, a Scientific Associate in the Natural History Museum in London, an Honorary Research Associate at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, and Honorary President of the International Mycological Association. He was President of the International Union of Biological Sciences from 1994-1997 and of the International Mycological Association from 1990-94.
Professor Hawksworth can act on behalf of either claimant or defendant or as a Single Joint Expert.
Click here to view his CV.
