Department of Forensic Medicine > About the department > Forensic Genetics
Section of Forensic Genetics
The Section of Forensic Genetics is part of Copenhagen University and provides a framework for research and training in forensic genetics from undergraduate to PhD level.
The section makes DNA analyzes in criminal cases, paternity cases and immigration cases. The department has approx. 120 employees, which includes forensic geneticists, laboratory technicians, secretaries and IT developers.
Analyzes of DNA profiles
When Section of Forensic Genetics makes a genetic DNA profile a small part of the human genome is examined. In a routine assay the lengths of the selected DNA regions on chromosomes are analyzed. The result is a combination of numbers that give a unique description of the person’s DNA. You could call it a person's DNA profile.
All DNA profile analyzes in Denmark is made by the Section of Forensic Genetics. The investigations are primarily ordered by the police, judiciary, state administration and the Immigration Service. The department does not do surveys for private individuals.
Criminal cases and paternity cases
The Section of Forensic Genetics analyzes material to types of cases: criminal cases and paternity cases.
In criminal cases such as burglary, rape or murder cases, DNA profile analyzes from biological material such as blood, saliva, tissue or semen from a crime scene are compared with the DNA profile analyzes found in a suspect or a person in the DNA register.
In paternity cases the DNA profiles from one or more males are compared to the child's DNA profiles. The mother’s DNA are usually also investigated as this strengthens the overall results. By making a DNA profile analysis of the possible father, one can determine if the person is the father of the child. If there’s a match, his DNA profile will be consistent with the part of the child's DNA profile that does not derive from the mother.
In immigration cases similar studies are made. In these cases the Department examine whether the alleged relationship between an immigrant and a person seeking permanent residence in Denmark, may be present.
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