Innovations in Forensic Genetics

Abstract

The laboratories of the Department of Genetics use examinations to determine the human tissue/cell type origin, DNA profile as well as process bone and tooth samples from crime scenes and buccal swabs from individuals. The Department is currently involved in implementation of new methods to assist the investigating authorities in their investigations and further strengthening the admissibility of expert reports. The aim of these efforts is to handle degraded and latent small amount of DNA samples, successfully detect and statistically infer the minor component in complex “mixed” samples from multiple sources, and predict the eye colour, hair colour, skin colour and biogeographic origin of unknown individuals from crime scene samples. In recent years the increasing number of high-profile cases and the growing demand for examinations have posed challenges. The challenges have been addressed through code-based tracking and the implementation of a highly efficient and fast-processing automated multifunctional robot park. Overall, our goal is to increase examination capacity and reduce processing time in a cost-effective manner, thus optimizing the operation of the systems, concerning the ever-increasing number of cases.