Dr. Nicholas Bacci

Nicholas Bacci is a forensic anthropologist whose work centers on forensic facial comparison, skeletal trauma, and bone microstructure. Affiliated with research initiatives linked to the University of the Witwatersrand, he has contributed to the development of the Wits Face Database, an African facial image repository supporting validation studies in facial identification. His scholarship bridges anatomy, anthropology, and image science within medicolegal contexts.

A major focus of his research is the validation of morphological analysis for forensic facial comparison. Through controlled photographic and CCTV studies, he has examined accuracy, reliability, image quality effects, and the impact of disguises, while proposing practical quality triage methods. His work strengthens methodological standards and evidentiary foundations for expert testimony in courts.

Bacci also investigates trauma and bone biology, including experimentally induced lightning injuries to human bone and geometric morphometric analysis of osteonal variation. Casework on interpersonal violence and studies on anatomical terminology ethics further reflect a broad engagement with forensic practice, microanatomy, and the historical dimensions of anatomical science.