Forensic Specialisms, Lectureships & PhD Studentships

Closing Date: Ongoing - Start Date: 1st October and 1st March are the standard cohort start dates each year. 

Self-funded students only 

The use of forensic DNA and national DNA databases (NDNAD) has gained popularity in criminal investigations globally [1]. While the technology has been embraced in Europe and other high-income countries, its use and regulation are still at an infant stage in Africa [2]. The lack of forensic DNA legal frameworks, policies, and guidelines poses a challenge to the fight against cross-border crime, protection of public security and human rights in Africa. DNA data can assist the police in identifying criminals, missing persons, or deceased individuals. However, it can reveal sensitive information about an individual, including their ancestry, susceptibility to diseases, and family ties. Considering this, several countries/ regions worldwide have adopted legislation and policies to govern the use of DNA and databases for investigative purposes.

The research methodology will involve a review of existing literature, legal frameworks, and policies governing the use of forensic DNA and databases in South Africa and Europe, and stakeholder interviews. The literature review and legal/policy analysis will provide key insight into the degree of consensus across different countries and identify best practices. Finally, stakeholder interviews will be conducted with legal experts, law enforcement agencies, forensic scientists, civil society organizations, and policymakers in African countries to gather insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing a forensic DNA legislative framework and policy. 

Closing Date: 1st October 2024

Self-funded students only 

 About the Project

Recent years have seen a significant expansion in the range of analytical techniques being applied to issues within forensic science. Some of these involve bespoke systems developed specifically for the purpose, such as the Recover fingerprinting system developed here at Loughborough. Others have found ways to utilise mass spectrometry in order to address specific issues such as bodily fluid identification, biomarker analysis etc. One technique in which Loughborough has globally leading prowess is Laser Ablation - ICP-MS, which allows imaging of surfaces, tissues or particulate matter based on elemental distribution. However, the potential for the use of LA-ICP-MS within a forensic remit has thus far remained largely unexplored.

The project focusses on applying the technique’s unique capabilities to forensic challenges where items or surfaces needs to be mapped (both in terms of composition and spatial distribution). A range of challenges will be considered including those away from “traditional” notions of crime scene investigation to those dealing with aspects of heritage crime including metal theft and illegal wildlife trade. Such work will involve interactions with other departments at Loughborough and elsewhere, together with agencies such as Historic England.

Closing Date: Ongoing: Applicants accepted all year round

Self-funded students only 

This project involves the study of mites (Acari) in their role as useful markers in forensic investigations. 

The utility/contribution of mites in criminal investigations goes beyond crime scene investigations with dead bodies, and addresses, for example,  illegal trade, and human and animal neglect, among other topics.  We are particularly interested in investigating the role of mites in the process of decomposition of corpses and carcasses exposed to different environmental conditions; aiming to understand translocation of cadavers, burials at different depths and wrapping or concealment. 

*Candidates must have  i) knowledge of arthropods, (i.e., biology and taxonomy of at least one group), ii) basic concepts of genetics, and iii) experience in numerical analyses.  These topics will be further developed during the scholarship, with research carried out in the lab, curating forensic related collection/s, in forensic research settings or facilities, in house or abroad (e.g., taphonomy centres). 

Closing Date: Applications accepted all year round 

Self-funded students only 

 About the Project

In most criminal or forensic investigations, much of the work focuses on the collection and assessment of biological traces of human origin. Invertebrates, particularly animal micro-parts (e.g., lepidopteran scales, insect exuviae, etc) and micro-invertebrates (e.g., tardigrades) are ubiquitous in the human environment. Samples lifted from a crime scene or from human clothes will very frequently contain micro-invertebrates.

For Dr. Edmund Locard, who described for the first time the relevance of trace evidence, every contact allows the transference of material, biological or not. Since his initial work in the early 1900s, when he described sampling methods, little advance has been achieved in relation to the lifting, assessment, and analysis of micro-invertebrate traces from crime scenes.

This project aims to further our knowledge on the importance of invertebrates in crime scenes and on how we can take more advantage of this information in forensic analysis. The student will gain expertise in modern techniques developed to sample and study invertebrates from a variety of environments resembling or associated with case work, and how this can be modified and adapted to crime investigations. Main objectives will include the development of new methods of collection, analysis and interpretation of invertebrates from different substrata, like soil, clothes, from simulated crime scenes, corpses and carcasses. Experiments on different sampling methods, the production of keys for classification of animal parts and micro-invertebrates, the exploration of reliable molecular markers and numerical analyses will provide training for a future trace evidence analysis expert.