Proteomics in Forensics: From Source Attribution to Reconstruction of Events
Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org
14th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 26-27 September 2025 | Mumbai, India
Forensic science has always relied on innovation, and in recent years, one of the most exciting breakthroughs has come from proteomics—the large-scale study of proteins. Once primarily associated with medical and biological research, proteomics has now found a vital role in forensic investigations.
From Body Fluid Identification to Advanced Applications
When proteomics was first introduced into forensic science, it was mainly used for body fluid identification. Over the past two decades, however, its applications have expanded significantly. Today, proteomics is being used not only to identify biological traces but also to answer much more complex questions in criminal investigations.
Source Attribution and Event Reconstruction
One of the key strengths of proteomics lies in its ability to support source attribution—determining the origin of biological material such as tissue type or species. Beyond that, proteomics is now helping with event reconstruction, where investigators can infer timelines, environmental exposures, and even contextual details about how and when biological evidence was deposited. This dual role has led to the idea of “ultimate event reconstruction,” where proteomics works hand-in-hand with other forensic techniques to build a complete picture of a crime.
Real-World Case Studies
In practice, proteomics has already shown promise in forensic casework. Three highlighted case studies demonstrate how protein analysis can successfully identify biological sources and contribute to reconstructing events. These examples underscore its growing reliability as an investigative tool.
Challenges and Legal Considerations
Despite its potential, adopting proteomics in forensic science is not without challenges. The complexity of data analysis, ensuring the relevance of results, and questions around legal admissibility in court are key hurdles that must be addressed. Without proper guidelines, there’s a risk of misuse or misinterpretation of proteomic evidence.
Towards a Multimodal Forensic Framework
Importantly, proteomics should not be seen as a standalone discipline in forensics. Its real power lies in complementing established methods such as DNA profiling, isotope analysis, and toxicological screening. By integrating proteomics into a multimodal forensic framework, investigators can achieve a deeper and more holistic understanding of forensic events.
Conclusion
Proteomics in forensic science is still an evolving field, but its potential is undeniable. From source attribution to reconstructing entire crime scenes, proteomics adds a new dimension to forensic analysis. As technology advances and guidelines are developed, proteomics will likely become a key player in the next generation of forensic investigations helping scientists, law enforcement, and the justice system move closer to the truth.
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