UTS Science in Focus: The Fingerprint Detection (R)Evolution

Fingerprint identification has been a key practice in policing and forensic science for over 100 years in New South Wales. Invisible fingermarks surround our every move. These are the greasy or sweaty impressions our fingertips leave on every surface that we touch.

Since the first latent fingermarks were uncovered at crime scenes using charcoal powders, technology and our understanding of the chemical world has increased dramatically taking this method of solving crime to another level.

Dr Xanthe Spindler takes you through the exciting world of fingerprints and explains the importance of the different techniques and methods in crime scene investigations. She’ll go through the history of fingerprint identification, explain the techniques, methods and applications used in forensic science and discuss the advances in technology that continue to change the future of fingermark detection in solving crimes. 
 

This is a free public lecture series presented by UTS experts in science; discussing a range of important scientific issues confronting contemporary Australia. It is also part of the Ultimo Science Festival, supported by the City of Sydney and the Australian Government.