Institute of Forensic Medicine

104002, 106006, 106041, 301101, 301107, 301108, 301109, 301206, 301211, 301902

and wastewater-based epidemiology, disaster victim identification, exposomics, forensic DNA phenotyping, Forensic genomics, forensic histopathology, forensic toxicology, genetic identification, metabolomics, and next generation sequencing

The Austrian Central DNA Laboratory, which was established in 1997, is based at the Institute of Legal Medicine (GMI) at the Medical University of Innsbruck. It is a member of two international organisations, the European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP) and the Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), both of which represent Austria. GMI places significant emphasis on technology-based projects involving electrophoresis, real-time PCR, mass spectrometry and massive parallel next-generation sequencing (MPS) strategies. GMI has been repeatedly commissioned to handle international casework requests, some of which have received international media attention. These include the identification of the 2004 South Asian tsunami victims (Sri Lanka), the missing children of the Russian imperial Romanov family, the 1973 victims of the regime in Chile, the 2014 students missing from Ayotzinapa in Mexico and various international crime cases.

GMI is home to the mitochondrial (mt)DNA database EMPOP (https://empop.online/), which has become the primary reference source for forensic mtDNA data basing and quality control of mtDNA data over the years. GMI is also responsible for the management of the autosomal STR database STRidER, which furnishes the scientific community with freely accessible, quality-controlled STR allele frequencies (https://strider.online/). Both database projects are pivotal contributors to numerous associated international initiatives and consortia, including STRAND, SWGDAM and ISFG.

Furthermore, GMI has proven experience in the assay design and development of MPS tools for archaeo-forensic applications (e.g. Parson et al. 2018) and initial validation of mtDNA MPS applications on Ion Torrent platforms (e.g. Strobl et al. 2020). The employment of novel methodologies (see Madel et al., 2016; Xavier et al., 2019) has enabled the research group to achieve substantial advancements in the realm of criminal investigation and the analysis of non-human DNA (see Berger et al. 2019). A significant research focus pertained to the field of forensic DNA phenotyping, with the objective being the prediction of appearance, age and ancestry of an unknown sample from DNA (see, for example, Xavier et al. 2020, Heidegger et al. 2020).

GMI is home to the core facility of metabolomics, the “National SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Monitoring Program of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection” as well as the corresponding monitoring programs of Tyrol and Salzburg.

The GMI is currently establishing a histological and immunohistochemical laboratory for forensic histological and immunohistochemical research.

Increasing the Crime-Fighting Success Rate through Technological Improvements

Walther Parson

The institute plays a key role in addressing internationally relevant issues in forensic human identification with the aid of modern molecular genetic techniques.

Introducing Mitogenome MPS to Solve Challenging Crime Scene Samples

Walther Parson

The institute is at the forefront of international research aimed at optimising the forensically relevant information content derived from the mitochondrial DNA sequencing of unknown samples. These samples are sourced from crime scenes and mtDNA EMPOP data bases using MPS technologies.

Forensic DNA Phenotyping: Providing Evidentiary Leads by Predicting Externally Visible Characteristics and Bio-Geographical Origin Using DNA Analysis

Walther Parson

In the absence of a reference sample (e.g. a suspect), it is not possible to identify unknown perpetrators of crime from the current forensic use of DNA. This significant limitation has been overcome through the development of molecular tools capable of predicting appearance, age and ancestry from DNA traces. This methodology facilitates the construction of composite sketches of unknown trace donors directly from the DNA traces left at crime scenes.

STRidER – STRs for Identity ENFSI Reference Database

Martin Bodner

The institute is host to STRidER, which serves the dual function of global frequency database and quality control authority. In addition, it is a software platform for the development of novel tools for the most widely used forensic DNA markers (autosomal STRs).

Complex Pedigrees

Martin Bodner

The institute has contributed to the resolution of complex kinship cases by employing modern DNA methods.

Exposomics and Human Biomonitoring

Herbert Oberacher

The institute is involved in international research projects that aim to develop advanced analytical technology for the detection of pollutants and toxins in biological and environmental samples.

Wastewater Epidemiology

Herbert Oberacher

Wastewater-based epidemiology is a scientific discipline that is developing rapidly, with the potential to monitor real-time data on geographical and temporal trends in exposure to chemicals and pathogens. The process entails the analysis of the influent to a wastewater treatment facility. 

Systematic Toxicological Analysis (STA)

Herbert Oberacher

STA is defined as the application of an adequate analytical strategy for the detection and identification of the greatest possible number of potentially toxic compounds and their metabolites in biological samples. It constitutes a pivotal component within the medicolegal evaluation of substance abuse and poisoning cases. In order to maximise the forensically relevant information obtained from casework samples, new and advanced workflows for STA are being developed.

Core Facility Metabolomics

Herbert Oberacher

The Core Facility Metabolomics mission is to serve as an enabling resource for research and development programmes at the Medical University of Innsbruck. The objective of this study is to furnish researchers with the necessary expertise and cutting-edge technologies for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of small bioorganic molecules. The most common targets are drugs, pharmaceuticals, endogenous compounds, and metabolites thereof, which can be found in a wide range of biological samples (e.g. bio-fluids, cells, tissues).

Forensic Histology and Immunohistopathology

Elke Doberentz

The institute is at the vanguard of international forensic research on the expression of heat shock proteins (Hsp) in cases of ante mortem hypo- and hyperthermic exposure. The identification of ante mortem temperature effects may present a significant challenge, or even prove unfeasible, in determining the vitality of fire victims or in the identification of fatal hypothermia as a cause of death. Our investigations revealed that Hsp27 and 70 are rapidly and intensively expressed in pulmonary and renal tissues of most cases of death due to fire, in contrary to cases without ante mortem thermal influences. Consequently, Hsp can be used as a marker of vitality in the investigation of fire-related deaths. Furthermore, Hsp has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in cases of intoxication, including those resulting in fatalities associated with amphetamine use.

Moreover, the objective of our research endeavours is to identify and characterise micromorphological markers associated with diverse legal issues, with the ultimate goal of their incorporation into forensic practice.

A range of histological and immunohistochemical staining methods are employed. Consequently, research is centred on the estimation of wound age (caused by various mechanical effects). The demonstration of the validity of Aquaporin 3 as a marker of skin wound vitality is a potential avenue for future research. Furthermore, we investigate histological and immunohistochemical markers as early indicators of cardiac ischemia, and the carotid bifurcation in cases of trauma to the neck – considering the importance of the carotid sinus reflex.

Increasing the Success-rate for Combating Crime through Technological Improvements

Naue et al. (2024) Assessment of mitochondrial DNA copy number variation relative to nuclear DNA quantity between different tissues. Mitochondrion 74, 101823

Xavier et al. (2023) NuMY—A qPCR Assay Simultaneously Targeting Human Autosomal, Y-Chromosomal, and Mitochondrial DNA. Genes 14 (8), 1645

Heinrich et al. (2023) The LASSIE MPS panel: Predicting externally visible traits in dogs for forensic purposes. Forensic Science International: Genetics 66, 102893

Introducing Mitogenome MPS to solve Challenging Crime Scene Samples

Parson et al. (2025) Remains of the German outlaw Johannes Bückler alias Schinderhannes identified by an interdisciplinary approach. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 103276

Gill et al. (2025) Birgitte Tengs case: analysis and the wider implications for evaluation of DNA evidence given activities. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 103279

Parson et al. (2024) Kaspar Hauser’s alleged noble origin–New molecular genetic analyses resolve the controversy. iScience 27 (9)

Forensic DNA Phenotyping: Providing Evidentiary Leads by Predicting Externally Visible Characteristics and Bio-geographical Origin by DNA Analysis

 Ramírez et al. (2023) Development and evaluations of the ancestry informative markers of the VISAGE enhanced tool for appearance and ancestry. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 102853

STRidER – STRs for Identity ENFSI Reference Database

Gettings KB et al. (2024):  Recommendations of the DNA Commission of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) on sequence-based Short Tandem Repeat nomenclature. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 68:102946.

Bodner M et al. (2024): Harmonizing the forensic nomenclature for STR loci D6S474 and DYS6121. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 70:103012.

Casework Simulation in a Collaborative Exercise

Gill et al. (2025) The ReAct project: Analysis of data from 23 different laboratories to characterise DNA recovery given two sets of activity level propositions. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 76:103222

Exposomics and Human Biomonitoring

Lennon, S. et al. (2024) Harmonized Quality Assurance/Quality Control Provisions to Assess Completeness and Robustness of MS1 Data Preprocessing for LC-HRMS-based Suspect Screening and Non-targeted Analysis. Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 174: 117674.

Tkalec, Z. et al.  (2024) Innovative Methodologies for Characterising Human Chemical Exposure with a View to Next-generation Risk Assessment. Environmental International, 186: 108585.

Wastewater Epidemiology

Baz-Lomba, J. A. (2025) Bridging the Gap between Researchers and Decision Makers: a European Survey to Enhance Cooperation in Wastewater-based Epidemiology for Illicit Drugs. Public Health 241: 158-163.

Daleiden B et al. (2022) Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Austria: Development, implementation, and operation of the Tyrolean wastewater monitoring program. Journal of Water and Health, 20: 314-328.

Systematic Toxicological Analysis (STA)

Pitterl, F. et al. (2024) Insights into the Human Metabolism of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) by Non-targeted Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 48: 350-358.

Reinstadler, V. et al. (2023) A Fast and Convenient Sample Preparation Method for the Analysis of Cannabinoids in Oral Fluid. Biomedical Chromatography, 37: e5651.

Reinstadler V et al. (2022) Gas chromatography – high-temperature proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometry as novel tool for forensic drug testing. Separations, 9: 328.

Forensic Histopathology

Madea B et al. (2024) Histopathology. In: Payne-James J, Byard RW (eds.) Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine. 3rd Edition. Elsevier, Vol. 3, pp. 155-198.

Madea B, et al. (2024) Vital reactions: an introduction. In: Madea B (ed.) Handbook of Forensic Medicine. 2nd edition. Wiley Blackwell. pp: 349-364.

Madea B et al. (2024) Ageing of injuries in Living and Deceased. In: Payne James, J.; Byard, R. (eds.): Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine: Clinical and Pathological Aspects. Taylor&Francis, CRC Press, Boca-Raton. pp. 108-125.

Prangenberg J et al. (2023) Heat Shock proteins 27, 60 and 70 as local vitality markers in mechanical and thermal skin injuries. Rom J Leg Med. 31(2): 97-101.

Zöhrer PI et al. (2023) Postmortem expression of cytokines and immediate early genes in myocardial infarction and coronary insufficiency compared to controls. Arch Kriminol. 252(1-2):16-37.

European Project: OCSEAN – Oceanic and Southeast Asian Navigators (Marie Skłodowska – Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange – RISE). Grant 873207. MUI is serving as technological partner to the consortium and performing DNA analyses. H2020: HBM4EU, 2020-2025.

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology project:  Updating the forensic STR reference database STRidER. Grant 60NANB22D142. 2022-2026

European Project: SCORE Single Cell Forensic Genomics. Internal Security Fund (ISF) Grant ISF-5793-23-0046. 2023-2026

FWF ESPRIT project: mitoTree/mitoLEAF: Mitochondrial DNA Lineage, Evolution, Annotation Framework. Grant ESP. 2022-2026

European Project: CapCell – Innovative forensic trace investigation via microfluidics and single-cell genomics. Horizon 2024 Grant: HORIZON-SECURITY-2024-FCT. 2025-2029

Horizon Europe: Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals. 2022-2029.
EIRENE RI – Research Infrastructure for EnvIRonmental Exposure assessment in Europe.

KIRAS: Abwassermonitoring als Instrument der Krisenprävention, sowie des Krisen- und Pandemiemanagements. 2023-2025.

European project: CapCell – Innovative forensic trace investigation via microfluidics and single-cell genomics. Proposal number 101225737. MUI is working package leader and validating molecular genetic tools for Single Cell analysis.