Enhancing Taphonomy Together
A Global Platform for Forensic Taphonomy Data, Research Tools and Educational Resources
Explore decomposition datasets, compare research environments, access practical tools,
and support teaching,and collaboration in forensic taphonomy.
What is Decompanion?
Decompanion is a digital platform designed to support forensic taphonomy research, teaching, and collaboration. It brings together datasets, visual resources, research tools, and educational materials in one place.
Forensic taphonomy research is often fragmented across institutions, regions, and methods. Decompanion was developed to improve access to data, support more consistent terminology and methodology, and make collaboration easier across the field.
What can you do on Decompanion
How you can use Decompanion
Researchers
Decompanion provides a centralised platform for accessing and comparing forensic taphonomy data across multiple research environments.
Researchers can explore datasets linked to contributing facilities, including environmental context such as soil type, altitude, and geographic location. Visual resources, including images and 3D models, support detailed analysis and interpretation of postmortem processes.
The platform also offers tools to assist with decomposition assessment and supports the standardisation of terminology through shared resources such as the Decomp Dictionary.
By bringing together data, tools, and collaborative features, Decompanion supports more consistent, comparable, and accessible research in forensic taphonomy.
Practitioners
Decompanion supports practitioners by providing access to structured data and tools that can assist with the interpretation of decomposition in applied contexts.
Users can explore comparative datasets from different environments, helping to contextualise postmortem changes observed in casework. The inclusion of environmental variables and facility-specific data allows for more informed comparisons across regions and conditions.
Practical tools, including decomposition scoring resources, are available to support consistent assessment. The platform also provides guidance and access to standardised terminology, helping to align interpretation and reporting with current research and best practice.
Decompanion is designed to complement professional judgement by providing accessible, research-informed resources in one place.
Educators
Decompanion provides a structured resource to support the teaching of forensic taphonomy across a range of educational settings.
The platform includes a dedicated learning space with teaching materials, lesson plans, and visual resources that can be integrated into existing curricula. These resources are designed to support both introductory and advanced levels of study.
Educators can also use real-world datasets, images, and 3D models to enhance teaching and provide students with exposure to applied examples. The Decomp Dictionary supports consistent terminology, helping to reinforce clarity and standardisation within the subject.
By combining educational content with access to research data and tools, Decompanion supports more engaging and applied learning experiences.
Students
Decompanion offers a supportive environment for learning forensic taphonomy, bringing together key concepts, visual resources, and practical tools in one place.
Students can explore educational materials, build their understanding of terminology through the Decomp Dictionary, and engage with real research data to see how decomposition is studied in practice.
The platform also provides access to tools used in the field, helping students understand how decomposition is assessed and interpreted. Exploring datasets and research facilities can help develop a deeper understanding of how environmental factors influence postmortem change.
Decompanion is designed to help students build confidence, connect theory with practice, and develop a stronger understanding of forensic taphonomy.
Access is reviewed to support responsible use
Because Decompanion includes specialist forensic content and research data, access is restricted to approved users. Registration requests are manually reviewed and require academic or professional details.