The ‘fickle finger of fate’: the science of forensic fingerprint detection

Public Lecture | Updated 1 decade ago

Fingerprints on a glass surface
Fingerprints revealed by using a luminescent dusting powder
Image courtesy Simon Lewis

Presented by Prof. Simon Lewis
Professor of Forensic and Analytical Chemistry, Curtin University

The detection of latent (hidden) fingerprints from a crime scene is an essential task for contemporary law enforcement when gathering evidence to solve crimes and identify criminals or individuals under suspicion. 

Identification of an individual’s presence at the scene of a crime or terrorist incident is vitally important for making successful progress on an investigation. Fingerprints remain the most widely used and reliable means of personal identification and are extremely important to law enforcement as contact evidence. A key element in the successful recovery of latent fingerprints from a crime scene or object is detection, which is an essential task for law enforcement when faced with gathering evidence after a crime incident has occurred.

Join Prof Simon Lewis as he describes the science of fingerprint detection and provide an overview of research at Curtin University in this area, inspired by everything from hair dyes to ancient pigments.

Cost: Free event
Bookings: Bookings essential available using the weblink below.

National Science Week 2013