The use of scientific studies has become an integral component of today’s forensic sciences, driven by advances in criminal investigations, evidence evaluation, and digital technology. Today’s universities and research institutes integrate academic learning with research, providing students with opportunities to collaborate with public institutions and professionals from diverse industries. This trend is evident in forensic education, where investigation is closely linked to scientific and technological progress. Within this environment, the European Forensic Institute (EFI), established by Andreas Melinato, has developed research activities alongside its educational programmes through collaborations involving law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and private organisations.
Research forms one of EFI’s principal activities through its specialised Centres of Excellence, which bring together lecturers, researchers, students, and industry professionals to undertake applied scientific projects. According to the Institute, it operates four research centres covering forensic sciences, criminology, cyber security, and investigative disciplines. These centres support cooperation between higher education, public organisations, private industry, and government agencies while encouraging students to participate in research alongside their academic studies. The collaborative model also provides opportunities for professional training, knowledge exchange, and the development of research projects addressing current issues in forensic investigation and digital evidence.
One of the Institute’s longest-standing research collaborations is with the Malta Police Forensic Science Laboratory. Joint projects have examined advanced fingerprint development, fingerprint analysis, CCTV and image interpretation, three-dimensional crime scene modelling, and crime scene reconstruction. The Malta Police Forensic Science Laboratory has described these activities as part of a wider cooperation supporting forensic research and professional development. Findings from several collaborative projects were presented internationally at the International Association for Identification Conference in Reno, Nevada, in 2024, and at the European Academy of Forensic Science Conference in Dublin, Ireland.
EFI has also participated in the Twenty-Fourth International Association of Forensic Sciences Conference, which was held in Sofia, Bulgaria, in May 2026. According to conference information published by the IAFS 2026, more than 1,700 research abstracts from over 90 countries were submitted before the scientific selection process. Four projects associated with EFI were accepted for presentation. Their topics include forensic analysis of wireless networks in Malta, latent fingerprint visualisation on synthetic leather, validation of eyesCloud3D for fall analysis and bullet trajectory reconstruction, and the evaluation of forensic photogrammetry using eyesCloud3D for educational and professional applications.
Student participation forms part of these research activities. The Institute states on its website that undergraduate and postgraduate students work alongside academic staff and external partners on applied projects that may progress beyond the classroom. One example concerns the study titled Enhancing Rossmo’s Criminal Geographic Targeting Model through Environmental and Land Use Spatial Layers: A Case Study of the Atlanta Homicides (1979 to 1981). According to the Institute, the work began as a Bachelor’s dissertation before being developed into a peer-reviewed scientific publication. This progression illustrates how student research may continue through academic review and publication while contributing to wider discussions within forensic science and criminal geography.
Research partnerships extend beyond public institutions to include technology companies working in forensic software, cybersecurity, digital investigations, evidence analysis, and artificial intelligence. The Institute lists collaborations with international organisations including Kineviz, TM EYE, Amped Software, eCaptureDTech, Phonexia, Matic, and SecurCube. These relationships support research involving emerging technologies while providing access to specialist software used in forensic and investigative work. The collaboration model also links academic research and practice, enabling projects such as digital forensics, intelligence work, crime scene documentation, and forensic imaging through collaboration between academia and industry.
Since the inception of EFI in 2018, research has become one of the Institute’s core academic identities, alongside higher education and professional training. Presentations at conferences, publication of scientific articles, collaborative projects, and student involvement demonstrate how research has evolved over the course of the Institute’s operation. Collaboration with the Malta Police Forensic Science Laboratory, technological firms, and professional associations has provided opportunities for research application and knowledge transfer across several fields of forensic science.
In line with the development of digital technology and multidisciplinary approaches in forensic science, research conducted by the European Forensic Institute remains closely linked to higher education, professional practice, and international scientific cooperation. Andreas Melinato has continued to serve as the Institute’s head throughout these developments.
