Dirty Linen: the forensic soft matter science of body fluids on fabric

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Body fluids are ubiquitous in many crime scenes. Understanding their interaction with fabric of all kinds is of key importance to the gathering and interpretation of evidence. This project, almost certainly the first of its kind in the world, aims to explore how we may apply the concepts and methods of soft matter science to begin to elucidate aspects of such interaction, and how such interaction affects the retention of evidence for forensic purposes. The precise nature of what is studied will be decided in consultation with forensic scientists at Dundee, and can be tailored to suit the skills and interests of the student. One example of a possible project is to study how blood penetrates linen, where the various components end up at the end of the process, and how such imbibition affects the drying dynamics of blood drops; but many other possibilities can be imagined. However, an interest in interacting and collaborating with a wide range of stake holders (forensic scientists, police, judges, ...) to maximise the potential impact of the work will be essential.