forensic sciences research

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About the journal

Aims and scope.

As a peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of Forensic Science (AFS),  Forensic Sciences Research  publishes latest research in various disciplines of forensic sciences. It aims to promote forensic sciences through quality research articles, reviews, case reports, and letters to editors.

The journal strives for an international authorship and publishes a broad scope of forensic sciences including:

Forensic pathology Clinical forensic medicine Forensic psychiatry Forensic toxicology and chemistry (including drugs, alcohol, etc.) Forensic biology (including the identification of hairs and fibers) Forensic genetics Anthropology Criminalistics Document examination Accident investigation Crime scene investigation Explosive Quality assurance Forensic entomology Forensic odontology Digital evidence Gunshot injury, etc.

Abstracting and indexing services 

FSR has been indexed in such international and domestic databases as the:

ESCI PMC Scopus DOAJ ProQuest HeinOnline CSCD Wanfang Data

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All peer review is double blind and submission is online via Editorial Manager .

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There are no submission charges for this journal.

 All articles will be made freely and permanently available online through gold open access publication. Read the Instructions for Authors  for information on how to submit your article.

Citation metrics

Impact Factor: 1.3 JCR Rank: 7/23 (Q2) MEDICINE, LEGAL-ESCI CiteScore (Scopus): 4.7 (2022) CiteScore Best Quartile: Q1 (2022) SNIP: 1.767 (2021) SJR: 0.894 (2021)

Speed/acceptance

11 days avg. from submission to first decision 37 days avg. from submission to first post-review decision 74 days avg. from acceptance to online publication 39% acceptance rate  

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Forensic Sciences Research

Subject Area and Category

• Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous)
• Analytical Chemistry
• Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
• Pathology and Forensic Medicine
• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Anthropology

Oxford University Press

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20961790, 24711411

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The set of journals have been ranked according to their SJR and divided into four equal groups, four quartiles. Q1 (green) comprises the quarter of the journals with the highest values, Q2 (yellow) the second highest values, Q3 (orange) the third highest values and Q4 (red) the lowest values.

The SJR is a size-independent prestige indicator that ranks journals by their 'average prestige per article'. It is based on the idea that 'all citations are not created equal'. SJR is a measure of scientific influence of journals that accounts for both the number of citations received by a journal and the importance or prestige of the journals where such citations come from It measures the scientific influence of the average article in a journal, it expresses how central to the global scientific discussion an average article of the journal is.

Evolution of the number of published documents. All types of documents are considered, including citable and non citable documents.

This indicator counts the number of citations received by documents from a journal and divides them by the total number of documents published in that journal. The chart shows the evolution of the average number of times documents published in a journal in the past two, three and four years have been cited in the current year. The two years line is equivalent to journal impact factor ™ (Thomson Reuters) metric.

Evolution of the total number of citations and journal's self-citations received by a journal's published documents during the three previous years. Journal Self-citation is defined as the number of citation from a journal citing article to articles published by the same journal.

Evolution of the number of total citation per document and external citation per document (i.e. journal self-citations removed) received by a journal's published documents during the three previous years. External citations are calculated by subtracting the number of self-citations from the total number of citations received by the journal’s documents.

International Collaboration accounts for the articles that have been produced by researchers from several countries. The chart shows the ratio of a journal's documents signed by researchers from more than one country; that is including more than one country address.

Not every article in a journal is considered primary research and therefore "citable", this chart shows the ratio of a journal's articles including substantial research (research articles, conference papers and reviews) in three year windows vs. those documents other than research articles, reviews and conference papers.

Ratio of a journal's items, grouped in three years windows, that have been cited at least once vs. those not cited during the following year.

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Recent advances in forensic science research

For immediate release, acs news service weekly presspac: april 20, 2022.

Forensic scientists collect and analyze evidence during a criminal investigation to identify victims, determine the cause of death and figure out “who done it.” Below are some recent papers published in ACS journals reporting on new advances that could help forensic scientists solve crimes. Reporters can request free access to these papers by emailing  newsroom@acs.org .

“Insights into the Differential Preservation of Bone Proteomes in Inhumed and Entombed Cadavers from Italian Forensic Caseworks” Journal of Proteome Research March 22, 2022 Bone proteins can help determine how long ago a person died (post-mortem interval, PMI) and how old they were at the time of their death (age at death, AAD), but the levels of these proteins could vary with burial conditions. By comparing bone proteomes of exhumed individuals who had been entombed in mausoleums or buried in the ground, the researchers found several proteins whose levels were not affected by the burial environment, which they say could help with AAD or PMI estimation.

“Carbon Dot Powders with Cross-Linking-Based Long-Wavelength Emission for Multicolor Imaging of Latent Fingerprints” ACS Applied Nanomaterials Jan. 21, 2022 For decades, criminal investigators have recognized the importance of analyzing latent fingerprints left at crime scenes to help identify a perpetrator, but current methods to make these prints visible have limitations, including low contrast, low sensitivity and high toxicity. These researchers devised a simple way to make fluorescent carbon dot powders that can be applied to latent fingerprints, making them fluoresce under UV light with red, orange and yellow colors.

“Proteomics Offers New Clues for Forensic Investigations” ACS Central Science Oct. 18, 2021 This review article describes how forensic scientists are now turning their attention to proteins in bone, blood or other biological samples, which can sometimes answer questions that DNA can’t. For example, unlike DNA, a person’s complement of proteins (or proteome) changes over time, providing important clues about when a person died and their age at death.

“Integrating the MasSpec Pen with Sub-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization for Rapid Chemical Analysis and Forensic Applications” Analytical Chemistry May 19, 2021 These researchers previously developed a “MasSpec Pen,” a handheld device integrated with a mass spectrometer for direct analysis and molecular profiling of biological samples. In this article, they develop a new version that can quickly and easily detect and measure compounds, including cocaine, oxycodone and explosives, which can be important in forensics investigations.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people. The Society is a global leader in promoting excellence in science education and providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News . ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a leader in scientific information solutions, its CAS division partners with global innovators to accelerate breakthroughs by curating, connecting and analyzing the world’s scientific knowledge. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

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https://www.nist.gov/spo/forensic-science-program

Forensic Science Program

The Forensic Science Program promotes equity in the criminal justice system by strengthening the scientific basis of forensic methods and practices so that evidence is appropriately collected, accurately analyzed, and effectively communicated.

FORENSIC SCIENCE PROGRAM

Accelerating the development of science-based measurement methods, standards, tools, and assessments to underpin reliable, accurate, interoperable, and validated forensic analysis.

FOUNDATION STUDIES

Strengthening the scientific foundations of forensic methods and practices by documenting the empirical evidence that supports and underpins their reliability; evaluating their capabilities and limitations; and identifying knowledge gaps and areas for future research.

Strengthening the nation's use of forensic science by facilitating the development of technically sound standards and guidelines and encouraging their adoption and use throughout the forensic science community.

News and Updates

Researchers Analyze THC in Breath of Cannabis Smokers

Animal Tranquilizer Floods Illicit Drug Markets in Maryland

Forensic Bitemark Analysis Not Supported by Sufficient Data, NIST Draft Review Finds

Two New Forensic Firearm Examination Standards Added to the OSAC Registry of Approved Standards

Reflections on Assisting With the 9/11  World   Trade   Center  DNA Identifications September 1, 2021 Due to the fragmentation of bodies that occurs with high-velocity plane crashes and building collapses, DNA became a primary means of identifying many of the remains recovered from 9/11.

DNA Mixture Interpretations: A Q&A With NIST’s John Butler JULY 28, 2021 Whether from skin cells, saliva, semen or blood, DNA from a crime scene is often collected and tested in a lab to see if a suspect’s DNA is likely a contributor to that sample or not.

Improving  Forensic  Chemistry: A Q&A With NIST's Ed Sisco APRIL 28, 2021 … Tell us about your career path thus far. How did you get involved in  forensic   science ? When trying to decide what to study in college, the only two majors that stuck out to me were  forensic   science  and landscaping architecture. I decided to pursue …

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Reference Materials  

Reference Data  

Manuals and Guidelines  

Popular Links

• Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science  
• Evidence Management Community of Practice (EMCoP)  
• NIST Science Data Portal
• Center of Excellence (CSAFE)  
• Latent Print AFIS Interoperability Working Group

Forensic Science Research PROGRAM MANAGER

• Robert Ramotowski [email protected] (301) 975-4772

Forensic Science Foundation Studies PROGRAM MANAGER

• John Butler [email protected] (301) 975-4049

Forensic Science Standards PROGRAM MANAGER

• John Paul "JP" Jones [email protected] (301) 975-2782

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Forensic science program.

The Forensic Science program offers an exciting, innovative, and hands-on curriculum that uses state-of-the-art crime laboratory and crime scene training facilities to teach students the practices of modern forensics through a holistic, crime-scene-to-courtroom approach.

Undergraduate Students

Our students receive a strong criminalistics education rooted in science. We offer a unique, hands-on experience that prepares students for forensic careers working in crime laboratories or at crime scenes.

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The Master's program provides a foundation in criminalistics while allowing students to individualize their educational experience with research and advanced hands-on training in crime laboratory and crime scene techniques.

About Penn State Forensics

We are a nationally recognized program. Our world class faculty, hands-on approach, and strong foundation in science prepare students to become leaders in the forensic community. Find out if Penn State Forensic Science is the right fit for you.

Work with respected researchers who are experts in their field. Engage in hands-on research in laboratory settings that can influence your education and career.

Learn about the diverse research interests of our researchers and discover why our program is the right choice for your graduate student education.

Learn how our dedicated faculty, staff, and students make the forensic science program the right choice for you.

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April 22, 2024

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Advance in forensic fingerprint research provides new hope for cold cases

by Meg Cox, Loughborough University

Researchers have unveiled a method capable of detecting drug substances from fingerprints lifted from crime scenes, which could provide fresh insights into unsolved cases. The research is published in the journal Drug Testing and Analysis .

Analytical scientists from Loughborough University have demonstrated for the first time that drug residue—namely the fast-acting sleeping pill Zolpidem, which has been linked to drug-facilitated sexual assault and drink spiking —can be detected on gel-lifted fingerprints.

Dr. Jim Reynolds and Dr. Ayoung Kim say the breakthrough could shed new light on cold cases and unsolved crimes as forensic gel lifters—which transfer prints onto a gelatin surface—are used globally by scenes of crimes officers to preserve and visualize fingerprints.

"This is the first time that analysis of gel-lifted prints for a drug substance has been accomplished, and shows that lifted prints and other forensic marks can be interrogated for useful information," says Dr. Reynolds, the research lead.

"Since gel-lifted prints and marks can be stored for many years, the technique could be of real use in cold cases where additional information may prove useful to either link or exonerate a suspect to the investigation. Working with police forces and applying the method to cold case samples could help bring criminals to justice who may have thought they have got away with it."

A number of tests exist to detect drugs directly from fingerprints, but these face limitations. They can be destructive to the fingerprint, degrade drug residues, and be affected by environmental interferences.

It has long been speculated that gel-lifted prints contain valuable chemical information and could offer more accurate drug detection.

However, traditional techniques used to analyze the chemicals present in a sample have previously not been suitable for gel lifters. This is because they detect all chemicals present, including those that make up the gel, making it difficult to identify specific substances.

The method used by Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Kim, called sfPESI-MS, overcomes this issue using a rapid separation mechanism that distinguishes the drug substance from the background of the gel.

The process involves sampling the chemicals from the gel lifters into tiny liquid droplets. The chemicals extracted into the droplets are then ionized, which means they gain or lose electric charge depending on their chemical properties. The drug substance chemicals are more surface active than the chemicals originating from the gel, which enables them to be separated from the mixture.

This separation method enables the direct detection of a drug substance using mass spectrometry , a technique that identifies chemicals by measuring their molecular weight. The researchers have successfully tested the technique using Zolpidem-laced fingerprints lifted from glass, metal, and paper surfaces in a laboratory setting.

They now hope to work with police forces to analyze stored gel-lifted prints and use the method to identify other substances.

Dr. Reynolds said, "Zolpidem was the focus of our research, but the method could just as easily be applied to other drug substances a person may have been handling and could be applied to other chemicals such as explosives, gunshot residues, paints, and dyes.

"By linking chemical information to the fingerprint, we can identify the individual and link to the handling of an illicit substance which may prove useful in a prosecution. This could be useful to detect individuals who have been spiking drinks; for example, if the drug they are using gets onto their fingertips, then they will leave evidence at the scene."

Dr. Kim, who is the first author of the paper and completed the research as part of her Ph.D. at Loughborough, added, "We would like to apply our method to real samples from criminal investigations; it would be good to know my Ph.D. research has helped bring criminals to justice."

Journal information: Drug Testing and Analysis

Provided by Loughborough University

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New hope for cold cases due to breakthrough in forensic fingerprint research

Researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking method capable of detecting drug substances from fingerprints lifted from crime scenes, which could provide fresh insights into unsolved cases.

Analytical scientists from Loughborough University have demonstrated for the first time that drug residue – namely the fast-acting sleeping pill Zolpidem, which has been   linked to drug-facilitated sexual assault and drink spiking   – can be detected on gel-lifted fingerprints.

Dr Jim Reynolds   and   Dr Ayoung Kim   say the breakthrough could shed new light on cold cases and unsolved crimes as forensic gel lifters – which transfer prints onto a gelatine surface – are used globally by scenes of crimes officers to preserve and visualise fingerprints.

“This is the first time that analysis of gel-lifted prints for a drug substance has been accomplished and shows that lifted prints and other forensic marks can be interrogated for useful information”, says Dr Reynolds, the research lead.

“Since gel-lifted prints and marks can be stored for many years, the technique could be of real use in cold cases where additional information may prove useful to either link or exonerate a suspect to the investigation.

“Working with police forces and applying the method to cold case samples could help bring criminals to justice who may have thought they have got away with it.”

A number of tests exist which can detect drugs directly from fingerprints, but these face limitations. They can be destructive to the fingerprint, degrade drug residues, and are affected by environmental interferences.

It has long been speculated that gel-lifted prints contain valuable chemical information and could offer more accurate drug detection.

However, traditional techniques used to analyse the chemicals present in a sample have previously not been suitable for gel lifters. This is because they detect all chemicals present, including those that make up the gel, making it difficult to identify specific substances.

The method used by Dr Reynolds and Dr Kim, called sfPESI-MS, overcomes this issue using a rapid separation mechanism that distinguishes the drug substance from the background of the gel.

The process involves sampling the chemicals from the gel lifters into tiny liquid droplets. The chemicals extracted into the droplets are then ionized, which means they gain or lose electric charge depending on their chemical properties. The drug substance chemicals are more surface active than the chemicals originating from the gel, which enables them to be separated from the mixture.

This separation method enables the direct detection of a drug substance using mass spectrometry, a technique that identifies chemicals by measuring their molecular weight.

Published in the Drug Testing and Analysis journal, the researchers have successfully tested the technique using Zolpidem-laced fingerprints lifted from glass, metal, and paper surfaces in a laboratory setting.

They now hope to work with police forces to analyse stored gel-lifted prints and use the method to identify other substances.

Dr Reynolds said: “Zolpidem was the focus of our research, but the method could just as easily be applied to other drug substances a person may have been handling and could be applied to other chemicals such as explosives, gunshot residues, paints, and dyes.

“By linking chemical information to the fingerprint, we can identify the individual and link to the handling of an illicit substance which may prove useful in a prosecution.

“This could be useful to detect individuals who have been spiking drinks, for example, if the drug they are using gets onto their fingertips, then they will leave evidence at the scene.”

Dr Kim, who is the first author of the paper and completed the research as part of her PhD at Loughborough, added: “We would like to apply our method to real samples from criminal investigations, it would be good to know my PhD research has helped bring criminals to justice.”

The paper can be read in full on the journal website.    

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