Press Release
October 19, 2011

Forensic research receives impulse from NWO
Science to help in evidence examinations.

NWO, the Netherlands Institute for Scientific Research, is bringing the type of investigations everyone knows from the CSI series a step closer to reality. Nine researchers focusing on forensic investigation are to receive funding from the NWO Forensic Science programme. There is a total of EUR 3.5m available for nine research projects. The research will address, among others, topics like face recognition, determining the origin of natural substances and tracing perpetrators using family members’ DNA data.

Forensic science focuses on collecting and analysing scientifically-substantiated evidence with the goal of tracking down perpetrators of a (possible) crime. It is becoming an increasingly important component of criminal investigations, prosecuting (possible) perpetrators and trials. Public interest in forensic science has also grown significantly in recent years. The Forensic Science programme brings together scientists from a range of disciplines and bridges the gap between science and forensic practice by involving potential users of the research results in scientific research. This Forensic Science programme is the first broad, multi-disciplinary scientific research programme in Forensic Science in the Netherlands.

Projects
NWO received 49 pre-applications for this research programme of which 28 proposals were developed further after receiving advice. An international assessment committee assessed the research proposals as to its criteria of innovation, scientific quality and forensic relevance. In the end, nine research proposals by scientists from chemistry, information science, mathematics and genetics received grants.

Human traces reveal time
Estimating trace deposition time using circadian biomarkers - Prof. Dr M. Kayser (Erasmus MC)
Whatever time of day or night human traces such as blood are left behind at a crime scene, it can serve as essential information in forensic investigations. This multi-disciplinary cooperative project will identify biomarkers that point to a specific moment in the human circadian rhythm. These will then be used to develop and validate a state-of-the-art molecular application for detailed time determination of the time of day or night human traces were left at a crime scene.

Investigate all the DNA present
Metagenomic analysis of forensic biological traces - Dr J.F.J. Laros (LUMC)
We are introducing a new approach for analysing a forensic, biological trail; analysing all the DNA that is present (the 'metagenome'). This not only makes it possible to identify the trace’s (human) donor, it also provides a highly-detailed picture of all the bacteria, viruses, fungi and plant present in the trace. This information provides a far more comprehensive picture of, for example, the biological tissue in the evidence and from where the trace originally stemmed.

Familial searching
Familial Searching - Prof. Dr R.W.J. Meester (VU)
A pending legal change should make it possible to trace unknown, suspected perpetrators or serious crimes by using DNA-familial research to seek out their family members, for example in the DNA database. This is possible because familial DNA is relatively similar. In this project we will be investigating the associated statistical and probability-based aspects. For example, we will be making suggestions on best practices for a search campaign. Ethical aspects also need to be addressed.

Chemical evidence in hair
The Molecular Basis of Chemical Hair Evidence - Prof. Dr M.W.F. Nielen (WU)
If chemical substances, such as drugs, are ingested, small volumes end up in people’s hair. This does not always convince judges since compounds can also end up on hair from external sources. We aim to increase the burden of proof of hair by demonstrating hair’s content using a ‘chemical microscope’.

E-Discovery in electronic data
Semantic Search in E-Discovery - Prof. Dr M. de Rijke (UvA)
Digital information is becoming essential in factual investigations. Just think of the million Euro frauds by Madoff or of real estate fraud. E-discovery seeks out information in electronic data. An important task in the process is analysing unstructured data, such as text files and e-mails. To date, investigators have generally used traditional search techniques. Using semantic search techniques, this project will automatically find entities, attributes and relationships that will more quickly provide forensic researchers with information as to the circumstances.

Determining the origin of natural materials
COMFOR: The use of comprehensive two-dimensional chromatographic methods for chemical profiling of complex natural materials - Professor Dr P.J. Schoenmakers (UvA)
The COMFOR project will address the chemical profiling of evidence of natural origin using two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC). Fire accelerants are an important example of such evidence. Many narcotics and inks also contain natural ingredients and therefore have a complex natural composition. Detailed profiling can provided significant added value for forensic investigation as long as the value of proof of comparative profiles can be quantified and validated. This can be achieved using population studies, chemometrics and forensic statistics. The statistical methods will be generalised so that they are also applicable for other types of evidence and other methods of analysis. This project will be performed by a unique team of chemists and mathematicians.

Combining evidence
Combining evidence in legal (forensic) casework - Prof. Dr M.J. Sjerps (UvA)
The aim of this project to raise the quality of the evaluation of evidence by forensic scientists and criminal lawyers. This will be achieved by considering various items of evidence and information in the case together instead of assessing each individually, and by applying a logical approach from probability.

Face recognition
Forensic Face Recognition - Dr. R.N.J. Veldhuis (UT)
To determine the likelihood that two facial images stem from the same person forensic experts look at the measurements and shapes of facial properties, including wrinkles, scars, etc. A biometric face recognition system compares abstract characteristics and uses them to calculate the degree of similarity. This project combines both approaches in a single system and provides an objective measure for the likelihood that two faces are actually from the same person.

Statistical modelling technique of Bayesian networks
Designing and Understanding Forensic Bayesian Networks with Arguments and Scenarios - Dr. B. Verheij (RUG)
Lucia de Berk found out first-hand: evidence based on statistics can easily lead to errors. This project aims to help prevent this sort of error from occurring. The project’s new approach is to link the successful statistical modelling technique of Bayesian networks to models that effectively dovetail legal argumentation and scenario construction in the legal world.

Forensic Science
The Forensic Science programme is a joint initiative by the NWO areas Physical Sciences and Chemical Sciences and the Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI) and is in part the result of cooperation with the Nederlands Forensisch Instituut (NFI or Netherlands Forensic Institute), the Nederlands Studiecentrum Criminaliteit en Rechtshandhaving (NSCR or Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement), The Maastricht Forensic Institute (TMFI) and the Wetenschappelijke Bureau van het Openbaar Ministerie (WBOM or The Scientific Agency of the Public Prosecution Service).
www.nwo.nl/forensicscience

About NWO
NWO, or the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, is the independent national science financier and is charged with ensuring scientific research in the Netherlands excels through national competition. Each year the NWO awards at least EUR500m in subsidies for top research and top researchers, for innovative instruments and apparatus, and to institutes that perform top research. NWO finances the research of some 5000 talented scientists at universities and other institutes. Selection through peer review is in the hands of independent experts. NWO promotes knowledge transfer towards society and business.
www.nwo.nl