New Interdisciplinary Frontiers in Forensic Sciences: Innovations, Ethical Principles and Collaborative Approaches

Dear Colleagues,

Forensic sciences are constantly evolving and are currently undergoing a radical transformation, primarily driven by the integration of advanced technologies and the adoption of interdisciplinary approaches drawing from various fields of knowledge. While forensic sciences once relied mainly on traditional and well-established techniques, today they benefit from contributions across multiple domains, from biotechnology to psychology, criminology to law, and pathology to artificial intelligence.

Interdisciplinarity is thus one of the driving forces behind this change, as the fight against crime increasingly demands a multidimensional approach. Criminal investigations are now more frequently required to examine evidence that not only calls for expertise in information technology but also touches upon issues of privacy and legal safeguards. Moreover, these investigations often require psychological and criminological analysis to understand the motives behind the crime. This trend is evident in many other fields as well.

The integration of expertise from various disciplines is therefore essential, not only for solving crimes, but also for addressing the ethical implications associated with the use of modern technologies. The debate surrounding privacy protection, the legitimacy of data collection methods, and the impact of emerging technologies on individuals' fundamental rights remains both highly relevant and ongoing.

In this context, an interdisciplinary approach becomes crucial as it fosters collaboration among experts from different fields, promoting a comprehensive perspective and an instructive dialogue for all actors involved. This approach allows for the overcoming of the limitations of each discipline through harmonious and productive collaboration towards the achievement of concrete objectives. For example, combining expertise in forensic medicine, forensic pathology, and criminology enables a more complete understanding of a crime, while the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analysis allows for the examination of large volumes of information and provides more accurate analysis of criminal behavior, including predictive elements.

This Special Issue aims to explore the extent to which interdisciplinarity in forensic sciences is opening up new approaches to complex investigations, while also raising ethical and legal issues that require a careful balance between technological innovation, social responsibility, and respect for human rights. Forensic experts, working in a coordinated and integrated manner beyond the boundaries of their areas of expertise, are in the best position to combine innovation, process efficiency, and ethical–legal respect for procedures.

Dr. Lina De Paola
Prof. Dr. Enrico Marinelli
Dr. Gabriele Napoletano
Guest Editors

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• interdisciplinarity
• international cooperation
• legal medicine
• forensic neuropathology
• forensic odontology
• forensic pathology
• forensic criminology
• forensic toxicology
• technological innovation
• artificial intelligence
• medical ethics
• privacy and cybercrime