Forensic genetics futures and ethical considerations
The use of an individual’s DNA for any inference by a third party has to be considered most seriously prior to any use. Informed consent is essential for many purposes where DNA is being analysed but ethical considerations must be are the foremost consideration when developing new investigative genetic processes whether for criminal justice or civil matters, before then continuing to validate the techniques to particular evaluative standards and consider cost-benefit and associated risks. The group has been interested in pursuing new forensic techniques for several years, as part of the European-funded Forensic Genetics Network of Excellence (Euroforgen:NoE) and subsequently in collaborations with others interested in clear communication and a robust ethical approach to new development and as a member of the Home Office Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group (BFEG) in which we have considered new forensic genetics approaches, such as the use of genetic genealogy.
Aims
To engage with partners in the UK and across Europe to provide informed debate and publications on matters associated with the use of genetics in a forensic setting.
Publications
Conferences
2018
- DNA Evidence to Investigative Insights (DEII), Barcelona, ‘Aspects of phenotyping and ancestry: how should we report?’
- L’école Des Hautes Études En Sciences Sociales (EHESS) conference, Paris ‘Genetic identities and identification: Social issues surrounding non-medical DNA testing’
- Making Science, Technology and Society Together, European Association for the Study of Science and Technology (EASST) conference Lancaster, ‘Intersecting discourses of security, commerce and race’
Reports
- 2021: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biometrics-and-forensics-ethics-group-annual-report-2020-to-2021/biometrics-and-forensics-ethics-group-annual-report-2020-to-2021-accessible-version
- 2020: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/use-of-genetic-genealogy-techniques-to-assist-with-solving-crimes/should-we-be-making-use-of-genetic-genealogy-to-assist-in-solving-crime-a-report-on-the-feasibility-of-such-methods-in-the-uk-accessible-version
- 2017: https://senseaboutscience.org/activities/making-sense-of-forensic-genetics/
Publications
Conferences
2018
- DNA Evidence to Investigative Insights (DEII), Barcelona, ‘Aspects of phenotyping and ancestry: how should we report?’
- L’école Des Hautes Études En Sciences Sociales (EHESS) conference, Paris ‘Genetic identities and identification: Social issues surrounding non-medical DNA testing’
- Making Science, Technology and Society Together, European Association for the Study of Science and Technology (EASST) conference Lancaster, ‘Intersecting discourses of security, commerce and race’
Reports
- 2021: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biometrics-and-forensics-ethics-group-annual-report-2020-to-2021/biometrics-and-forensics-ethics-group-annual-report-2020-to-2021-accessible-version
- 2020: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/use-of-genetic-genealogy-techniques-to-assist-with-solving-crimes/should-we-be-making-use-of-genetic-genealogy-to-assist-in-solving-crime-a-report-on-the-feasibility-of-such-methods-in-the-uk-accessible-version
- 2017: https://senseaboutscience.org/activities/making-sense-of-forensic-genetics/
Our Partners

Principal Investigator
Denise Syndercombe Court
Professor of Forensic Genetics
Affiliations
Funding
Amount: TBC
Period: August 2018 - August 2023