Topic: Molecular Innovation in Forensic Genetics

This Special Issue focuses on the latest advancements in molecular innovation in forensic genetics, a field that has seen rapid growth in recent years due to technological progress in genetic analysis and molecular biology. Forensic genetics, which applies genetic techniques to support criminal investigations, legal disputes, and individual identification, has become an indispensable tool in modern forensic science. Recent breakthroughs in molecular techniques, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), advanced DNA profiling methods, and the use of epigenetic markers, are enhancing the accuracy, sensitivity, and applicability of forensic genetic analysis.

In this issue, we invite original research articles, reviews, and case studies that explore:

● The development of novel molecular techniques and technologies for forensic DNA analysis;

● Applications of next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput methods in forensic genetics;

● New approaches for analyzing complex DNA samples, including degraded, mixed, or trace samples;

● The integration of epigenetics, microbiome analysis, and other emerging molecular markers in forensic investigations;

● New methods, strategies and algorithms for complex kinship identification, especially for relationships spanning three or more degrees;

● Advances in databases, algorithms, and panels for forensic investigative genetic genealogy in the genomic era;

● Ethical, legal, and social implications of using advanced molecular techniques in forensic contexts.

By bringing together cutting-edge research in genetics, molecular biology, and forensic science, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how molecular innovations are transforming forensic genetics, offering new possibilities for solving criminal cases, identifying missing persons, and advancing justice.