AMI response to inquiry into forensic science

The Society for Applied Microbiology submitted written evidence to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee inquiry into forensic science. Forensic microbiology (otherwise known as microbial forensics) is a relatively new discipline that can be broadly described as the application of scientific methods for the analysis of microbial evidence in criminal and civil cases for investigative purposes. Specifically, forensic microbiology can be applied to analyse evidence from a suspected bioterrorism attack, biocrime, hoax, or inadvertent release of a biological agent or toxin.

This written evidence submission details examples and concerns raised by members in relation to the study of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, viruses etc.) as applied to forensic investigations. You can download a copy of our written evidence below.