Our work in forensic science is driven by our backgrounds as practitioners – either working with UK police, forensic service providers or through academia. We are interested in applied science projects that have practical applications in forensic case work scenarios. Much of our research is based around Masters and Masters by Research projects, often in collaboration with industrial partners. We are part of the University’s Crime, Justice and Security accelerated development area.
Trace evidence
Current research focusses upon several areas of developing and utilising techniques for the analysis of trace evidence, including using Video Spectral Comparator Technology for the determination of distinguishing features in questioned documents, the effects of hand sanitiser on the deposition of fingerprints, and the evaluation of marks such as fingerprints after submersion in water. Our research relating to trace evidence also includes methodologies for its recovery from crime scenes and exhibits, novel methods of analysis and the critical evaluation of its evidential significance. Research areas include forensic geoscience, soil analysis, microscopic techniques to determine damage sustained to textiles and fabrics in a forensic context, the recovery of fingerprints and footwear marks and forensic entomology.
Evidential analysis of soils from footwear
Current projects include the development and application of drug screening methods using state-of-the-art instrumentation involving chromatographic and mass-spectroscopic techniques and the use of the Joint Expert Speciation System to determine the low molecular mass metal-ion species which are present in a range of biological fluids including saliva and blood plasma, looking specifically at the bioavailability of species which may pose toxicity. We are currently studying the effects that the mouthing of toys and pacifiers may have upon the production of highly bioavailable lead and cadmium species in the mouths of infants. Several active projects including the evaluation of the stability of cocaine in urine when stored under specified conditions, the detection of ethylene glycol via GC-MS in a variety of different substances, the effect of storage on antidepressants in blood and their detection in overdose scenarios, and computer aided chemical speciation analysis of the risk posed by radionuclides in blood plasma.
Forensic research in biological fluids and DNA includes the evaluation of biological fluids using spectroscopic techniques and alternative light sources. Research in this area currently focusses upon method development and applications in relation to establishing the authenticity of foodstuffs, and the detection of biological fluids such as semen and blood on clothing after exposure to different environmental conditions for periods of time using traditional presumptive and spectroscopic methods of analysis. We are also currently investigating the impact of simulated exposure to a wide variety of external environmental factors upon the ability to detect blood on clothing items through a time and weathering-effects study. We are interested in determining the authenticity of a range of foodstuffs including meat, vegetarian and vegan products using modern DNA profiling techniques.
Our multidisciplinary research involves collaboration with industry, academia and Government. These include:
We welcome UK and international applications from suitably qualified graduates interested in joining us for either Masters by Research or PhD research programmes. Find out more on the Graduate School website or contact Dr Paul Jones for an informal discussion.
Dr Paul Jones, Academic Subject Manager, Forensic Analytical Science
Email [email protected]
01-03-2024
16-10-2023
27-04-2023
03-03-2023
03-03-2023
10-02-2023
10-02-2023
31-01-2023