On 27 March 2024, University College London hosted a launch event for the UKRI-funded projects 'Trust in Forensic Science Evidence in the Criminal Justice System: ‘The Experience of Marginalised Groups' led by Prof Lara Frumkin.

The Launch was a joint event with another UKRI-funded project: ‘Towards a Smart Digital Forensic Advisor to Support First Responders with At-Scene Triage of Digital Evidence’, led by Dr Mark Warner.

The Trust in Forensic Science project focused on the role and value of forensic science in the criminal justice system. It explored current perceptions of trust and ways to tackle public (dis)trust in forensic science evidence, both DNA and digital. By exploring the marginalised groups' perception regarding forensic evidence (DNA and digital evidence), the project developed insights into how public understanding is shaped around preparing, sharing, and presenting forensic evidence in the end-to-end crime scene to courtroom journey.

The event involved 13 researchers and 34 stakeholders between the two projects and offered the project team a chance to interact with a wide range of stakeholders - from forensic science, policing, government, private sectors and academia - and grasp their perspectives on the public's trust in forensic science.

Read our report: 'Trust in Forensic Science Evidence in the Criminal Justice System: The Experience of Marginalised Groups'. (DOC, 510Mb)