Trace evidence is essential in forensic science, as it is created by cross-transfer of materials when objects and/or people make contact during a criminal activity. At King’s Forensics, we aim at enhancing current capabilities in the analysis and interpretation of this evidence type, by exploiting and thoughtfully combining the latest technologies in analytical, computational and statistical sciences.

With a focus on energetic materials and their residues (such as gunshot residue), our research seeks to find more reliable and faster solutions to detect small amounts of materials in complex matrices of forensic interest, such as sweat and wastewater. We also investigate new methods of chemical profiling for source/activity attribution and trace association that, therefore, will unlock new investigative possibilities to law enforcement authorities in the assessment of serious crimes.