Trends in Biological Anthropology is a new series that aims to report on new multidisciplinary research in biological anthropology, based on presentations made at the annual conferences of the British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology (BABAO). The first volume, based on the 2011 and 2012 conferences, captures very well the rich diversity of research in the field.

The papers are grouped thematically, and they cover subjects as diverse as primatology, osteoarchaeology, dental anthropology, palaeopathology, three-dimensional modelling, healthy eating and forensics. This is an interesting mix that embraces methodological approaches, palaeopathological case studies, analysis of disarticulated remains from Worcester infirmary, the significance of the definition of ‘perimortem’ in forensics and a splendid Wellcome-funded public engagement programme, ‘You Are What You Ate’, encouraging healthy eating based on information recorded from medieval and early modern period skeletons.

The depth and breadth of the research clearly demonstrates the different techniques, applications and approaches used for studies and engagement in biological anthropology today. Such investigative studies highlight the innovation that characterises the discipline of biological anthropology as it develops and strives to achieve valid interpretations. As such, Trends promises to be a valuable resource for learning and research in biological anthropology; volume 1 is a very good start and a benchmark for the future volumes being of an equally high standard.