DMU-based fingerprint researcher, Kevin Farrugia. Credit: DMU
Forensic researchers at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) are investigating environmentally friendly ways of developing fingerprints. Kevin Farrugia, is working with West Technology Forensics in Bristol (UK) to develop solvent-less applications of fingerprint enhancement methods and assess the effectiveness when tested against currently recommended methods used by forensic teams.
“It’s very exciting,” said Farrugia. “The potential for its impact in the forensic community is huge.”
Contrary to general belief, fingerprint evidence accounts for more identifications than DNA evidence. Governments around the world (including the UK and EU) are considering restricting or banning certain chemicals and solvents used in fingerprint detection methods due to the environmental concerns and their effect on global warming.
Recently 3M, the only company that produces the main carrier solvent used for the detection of fingerprints on porous surfaces (such as paper), announced it will stop manufacturing and phase out the solvent, known as HFE7100, by the end of 2025. This creates further urgency for research into alternatives that are solvent-less and environmentally friendly.
The new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) will see Farrugia work with West Technology to develop these new methods and applications; however, they must be thoroughly assessed against currently used standards following guidelines by the UK Home Office and the International Fingerprint Research Group. A KTP Associate will be appointed to work on the project alongside Farrugia, and will be based in Bristol. The job listing for the role went live this week.
The three-year project, worth £300,000, has been funded by Innovate UK with support from West Technology. Incorporating financial support from Innovate UK, KTPs aim to help businesses innovate by connecting businesses to partners, customers and investors that can help them turn ideas into commercially successful products and services.
“This will be a dedicated piece of work to develop solvent-less applications and methods for the detection of fingerprints. It has a lot of potential and I cannot wait to get started. It would be a significant step forward for the forensic community," said Farrugia.
“We are absolutely delighted to be working with Dr. Farrugia on a new technique to develop fingerprint evidence for the forensic science community. We want to ensure that forensic scientists worldwide will have the tools available to carry out their work effectively in the future, when the currently used chemicals are no longer available to them. I am both excited and confident that we can deliver on our mission to achieve a successful outcome," said Ian Harris, Managing Director of West Technology.
Republished courtesy of DMU.