PhD Forensic Science (Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science)

University of Dundee

The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science is designed to disrupt positively the forensic science ecosystem. Our aims are broad and wide, striving to restore, revise and recharge the validity and credibility of the science in our court rooms. Forensic science is the application of science within the forum of the court, however there has been a growing concern that the science underpinning some of the forensic evidence lacks a robust foundation. The work undertaken by LRCFS aims to highlight and address the scientific deficiencies where they exist, and to develop new knowledge and innovative solutions to the challenges forensic science and the Criminal Justice system is facing into the future. We have brought together an interdisciplinary team of scientists and non-scientists to develop innovative ways of looking at the challenges facing forensic evidence as it is currently used within our courts. Our current research areas include:Transfer and persistence of evidenceThe future of DNA analysisEducation and training in forensic scienceEnhancing the detection of illicit drugs, explosives and bodily fluidsCapturing, communicating and collaborating with Virtual Reality in forensic scienceGenerating information about the background abundance of materials.