This work builds upon the sequence characterisation and frequency determination of alleles at forensic STR and SNP markers being carried out simultaneously in both the Forensic Genomics research group and by international partners to devise new standards for sequenced STR data such that this technology can be applied in criminal casework and associated forensic databases. The scope of population sequence variation in the UK is being studied using 1000 samples and the ForenSeq Signature Prep kit from Verogen - providing sequencing data for 27 autosomal STRs and 94 identity SNPs.

The implementation strand of this project will also take advantage of the population sequence variation data to improve the knowledge base regarding traditionally-used forensic STR marks and harness this to guide the production of new nomenclature standards for reporting STR sequencing results in a forensic context. Our international collaboration with other forensic scientists interested in harmonization of future reporting standards has led to formalising discussions in an International Society of Forensic Genetics Working Group: ‘Short Tandem Repeat: Align, Name Define – STRAND’ with its inaugural meeting in 2019.