In this interview, Dr. Peter de Knijff describes how his laboratory resolved a landmark case in the Netherlands through the employment of Next Generation Sequencing.
Dr. Peter de Knijff. Image Credit: Verogen, Inc.
Peter de Knijff, an innovator in forensic genomics, was among the first to recognize the possibilities for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in forensic applications. Shortly after the introduction of the Illumina MiSeq system in 2011, Dr. de Knijff’s laboratory at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) acquired the platform, and in 2015, became the first forensic laboratory to be awarded an ISO017025 accreditation to carry out casework analysis with the system.
Following this, the laboratory has employed NGS on a broad variety of complex cases to comb for investigative leads, or “hits”, on the Dutch criminal offender database, and to back up claims of innocence or guilt.
In a recent case, Dr. de Knijff’s team employed NGS to interpret highly discriminating data from a complex mixed sample in a sexual assault case. This led to the world’s first reported criminal conviction based on NGS data.
In the following interview, Dr. de Knijff offers further information on this fascinating case and explains the possible implications for the future use of NGS.
Highlights of the interview include:
- Details on how NGS was able to support this case by revealing vital data
- Dr. de Knijff’s confidence in the court’s acceptance of the findings and why he was not concerned "for a second"
- Why Dr. de Knijff believes it is "just a matter of time" before further court cases employ NGS data
- Details on how his lab has employed NGS to produce profiles from other complex cases and acquit innocent defendants
About Verogen, Inc.
Introducing the world’s first sequencing company solely dedicated to forensic science. Forensic laboratories are unique, and require unique scientific solutions.
We get this. Because we live it. We create thoughtfully tailored genomic solutions for forensic DNA labs. The kinds of tools we longed for when we worked in those labs ourselves. We formed an independent company with dedicated resources because we believe it’s the best way to fully address those unique needs.
The last few decades have seen tremendous advancements in molecular biology techniques, such as massively parallel sequencing. While our colleagues in other scientific fields have embraced and benefited from these improvements, forensic genomics has yet to realize the potential of the evolved technology. It’s time we had modern tools tailored to our needs.
Verogen understands this. Our sole focus is to advance science to help unlock the true potential of forensic genomics. Powered by Illumina technology and free of legacy method allegiance, we are uniquely positioned to support forensic labs with innovative solutions purpose-built for the challenges of DNA identification. Working in partnership with the community, we can elevate the forensic genomics lab’s role in preserving public safety—and improve global justice for all.
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