A drop of blood. A fingerprint.
Forensic science uses small clues to look at links between suspects and crime scenes and victims.

A fingerprint left by sweat on a metal surface, as visualised using SKP technology. This provides an example of how accurate representations of these prints can be produced in sophisticated formats permitting viewing from every angle.

Research in engineering and physical sciences is contributing to the development of forensic science. Advances include:

• Improved fingerprint recovery from metals such as gun cartridges and bomb fragments
    
• Using the chemistry of colour to identify chemical and biological weapons
   
• Portable DNA profiling techniques that could be used at the scene of a crime
   
• More accurate ways of finding out the age at death of victims of crime
   
• Scanning and sensing technologies that are improving the detection of drugs and explosives at security check points

We have invested more than £10 million in research directed at combating crime.

Our Crime Prevention and Detection Technologies programme encourages researchers to think how their expertise might help protect the UK from crime and terrorism.

“ EPSRC is making a vital contribution to the continued and future development of forensic science.” Andy Burnham MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office.