The international forensics group has a wide remit to look at evidence from international sources, or to make global inference, whether from human, animal, or microbial sources, providing data to support research in criminal justice and has strong links with the Forensic Genetics Group. For instance, it is working with international collaborators to provide genetic proofs of sexual abuse to influence global policy change.

Wildlife Forensics is a growing area and specifically focuses on the development of new technologies and methodologies to assist in wildlife crime. The international forensics team has helped lead the way in evaluating trace evidence from different fingerprinting materials (tusks, horns, eggs) by adapting laboratory ‘lifting methods’ for use in the field. The potential for topical application to endangered species crime (pangolin, rhino etc.) is widely expected to help revolutionise this field. In future, it is expected that the technology will be applied to tiger claws, sperm whales and hippo teeth. In association with Interpol and the City of London Police, a global DNA/ fingerprint database is planned.

Read the Integrated Review in Context policy document, featuring contributions from Professor Andrew Macleod.