In the past 20 years forensic molecular biology has faced substantial technological developments. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) loci have become the golden standard for (human) identification in crime case, ID and paternity case work.

National DNA databases that consist of STR-profiles serve as powerful intelligence tool to combat crime even across boarders. Major developments have been witnessed in the field of the uniparentally inherited genomes mitochondrial and Y-chromosomal DNA. Also, the application of X-chromosomal markers has found a vital niche in forensic DNA analysis. Molecular photofitting is one of the current and future key research topics, which involves the prediction of the geographical source as well as physical traits of an individual by analysis of its DNA.

Our research group has contributed to these developments with varying focus.