The MUN and the Faculty of Sciences of the University host the International Edition of Forensic Science, a project promoted by the Irabia-Izaga School in collaboration with the National Police.

As investigators of the Scientific Police, dressed in vests, tyvek (white overalls) and regulation gloves, a group of students of 1st of Bachillerato of the Irabia-Izaga School of Pamplona together with students from schools in India and Poland have participated this morning in the police investigation of the simulated theft of the work Mousquetaire. Tête ( 1967), by Pablo Picasso, in the Museo Universidad de Navarra.

After the simulation last October of the investigation of the theft of Mark Rothko's Untitled ( 1969), the educational project has returned to the campus of the University of Navarra to experience its international phase. The activity, promoted by Irabia-Izaga, has counted with the collaboration of the National Police, the MUN and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Navarra..

After the explanation of the activity by the National Police officers, the young people, divided into small groups, went to the lobby of the Theater where the theft of this piece from the MUN Collection allegedly took place. There, accompanied by members of the Scientific Police, they collected samples of soil, drugs and fibers to later extract DNA from biological samples and genetic profiles, among other analyses, to try to identify the perpetrators of the crime.

To carry out this work they have used instruments of the professional police technical inspection kit: luminol, fingerprint developers, DNA collection... They have also had the opportunity to draw up the planimetry and sketches that, in a real case, would accompany the police report. The fact is that Picasso's work is on loan until the end of June to the Museum of Fine Arts of A Coruña, where it is currently on display.

With the evidence already collected, on Wednesday and Thursday, the young researchers will visit the laboratories of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Navarra to analyze it. To conclude the project, on Friday, June 9, at 12:00 noon, there will be a ceremony to present diplomas to the participants. It will be held at the Faculty of Sciences and will be attended by academic authorities and representatives of the National Police.

Steam Skills

The objective of this project is to encourage students to develop STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) skills. Students put into practice the knowledge they acquire in the different scientific and technical disciplines to analyze the evidence collected at a crime scene and reach conclusions. This allows them to relate the contents of biology, geology, physics and chemistry in the context of criminal investigation. They also acquire teamwork skills, develop research skills and creative and critical thinking. In this way, they experience a more comprehensive learning experience and transform the laboratory into a collaborative space linked to real life.