Forensic science is facing a crisis of credibility, with declining public trust due to concerns about its scientific robustness, disproportionate use with marginalised groups, and lack of oversight.

The project is primarily geared towards addressing the issue of public (dis)trust in forensic science evidence, encompassing both DNA and digital. It seeks to explore the current perceptions of trust and, importantly, to tackle this issue head-on. By delving into the perceptions of marginalised groups towards forensic evidence (DNA and digital evidence), the project will provide crucial insights into how public understanding is shaped throughout the entire process of preparing, sharing, and presenting forensic evidence, from the crime scene to the courtroom.

Trust in Forensic Science Evidence Project Launch Report (PDF, 512 kB)

This is a UKRI – funded project led by Professor Lara Frumkin at The Open University in collaboration with Dr Emma Johnston (De Montfort University), Dr Emmanuel Nsiah Amoako (UWE Bristol), Dr Maria Maclennan (University of Edinburgh), Dr Vincent Hughes (University of York), Professor Heather Flowe (University of Birmingham), Professor Niamh Nic Daéid (University of Dundee), Dr Min Zhang (The Open University), Dr Violeta Kapageorgiadou (The Open University).

Objectives

The project explores the current perceptions of trust, and tackle public (dis)trust of forensic science evidence, both DNA and digital.

It examines the influence of forensic science evidence on CJS cases, particularly those involving marginalised groups.

It investigates how, when, and why public level(s) of trust help inform if forensic science evidence is (and should be) employed in the CJS.

It involves, through close co-design with users, the iterative development of a design tool to measure the implications and mitigation of trust in forensic science.