This is a core strength of the department, focusing on molecular analysis and the biological aspects of crime scene evidence.

• Genotoxicity & Human Genetics: Investigating chromosomal damage and genetic variations (led by Dr. Calistus Jude AL).
• Nanotechnology in Forensics: Exploring the application of nanomaterials for evidence enhancement and detection (led by Ms. Neha Subhash Vishe).
• Forensic Taphonomy: Scientific study of post-mortem changes and biological degradation to estimate time since death and reconstruct events.
• DNA Profiling & Molecular Characterization: Advanced identification methods for biological samples.

Research in this area focuses on the detection of substances and the chemical analysis of trace evidence.

• Toxicological Analysis: Studies on forensic drug analysis and molecular toxicology (led by Mr. Mayank David Raiborde).
• Food & Substance Adulteration: Using spectroscopy (like ATR-FTIR) to identify adulterants in consumer products like milk (led by Ms. Annapoorni Ammal).
• Chemical Sensor Development: Synthesis of materials (e.g., carbon nanomaterials from waste) for detecting ethanol or other chemical markers (led by Dr. Sumi Sundaresan).
• Agrochemical Interactions: Computational and experimental modeling of how pesticides and chemicals interact with biological receptors (led by Mr. Don Caeiro).

This area addresses the growing need for technical expertise in solving high-tech crimes.

• Multimedia Authentication: Authentication and enhancement of audio and video evidence (led by Mr. Don Caeiro).
• Network & Malware Forensics: Analyzing cyber-attacks, ethical hacking strategies, and incident response.
• AI in Cyber Security: Leveraging artificial intelligence for threat detection and analyzing the legal/social impacts of cyber criminology.
• Cryptocurrency & Dark Web: Investigating illegal markets and the future of financial cybercrimes.

Focuses on the classical "trace" evidence and the physics of crime scenes.

• Questioned Document Examination: Analyzing handwriting, signatures, and document security features.
• Fingerprint & Impression Evidence: Researching advanced technologies for fingerprint development and automated recognition.
• Forensic Physics & Ballistics: Using instrumentation to analyze projectiles and physical impact evidence.
• Stature Estimation: Anthropometric studies (e.g., estimating height from finger measurements) tailored to specific populations.

A unique thrust that integrates the scientific findings into the broader legal and correctional framework.

• Correctional Frameworks: Research into "Risk-Need-Responsivity" (RNR) models for prison systems (led by Dr. Reneesh K.R.).
• Legal Systems Analysis: Structural studies of the FIR (First Information Report) process and its impact on justice delivery in India (led by Ms. Alana Dixon).
• Cyber Criminology: Studying the lifestyle and routine activities of individuals that lead to cyber victimization.