Aims & Scope
Journal of Advanced Forensic Sciences (JAFS) publishes rigorous, peer-reviewed research advancing the scientific foundations of forensic analysis. We focus on analytical methods, trace evidence characterization, validation studies, and technological innovations that enhance the reliability and precision of forensic science practice.
Core Research Domains
Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology
- Analytical method development for drug detection and quantification
- Toxicological screening techniques and validation protocols
- Chemical characterization of controlled substances
- Novel extraction and purification methods for biological matrices
- Instrumental analysis (GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy)
- Quality control and proficiency testing in forensic laboratories
"Validation of a novel LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of 25 synthetic cannabinoids in postmortem blood samples with enhanced sensitivity and reduced matrix effects."
Trace Evidence Analysis
- Microscopic examination techniques for fiber, hair, and glass analysis
- Gunshot residue detection and characterization methods
- Paint and coating analysis using spectroscopic techniques
- Soil and geological material comparison protocols
- Fire debris analysis and accelerant detection
- Statistical interpretation of trace evidence comparisons
"Comparative analysis of automotive paint samples using pyrolysis-GC-MS: Development of a standardized protocol for forensic laboratories with inter-laboratory validation results."
DNA Analysis & Molecular Biology
- STR typing methodologies and next-generation sequencing applications
- Low-template DNA analysis and sensitivity enhancement
- Mixture interpretation algorithms and probabilistic genotyping
- Degraded DNA recovery and analysis techniques
- Mitochondrial DNA sequencing for human identification
- Quality metrics and validation standards for DNA laboratories
"Performance evaluation of massively parallel sequencing for forensic STR analysis: Sensitivity, mixture resolution, and concordance with capillary electrophoresis across 500 casework samples."
Digital & Multimedia Forensics
- Digital evidence acquisition and preservation protocols
- Image and video authentication techniques
- Metadata analysis and file system forensics
- Mobile device forensics and data recovery methods
- Network forensics and cybercrime investigation tools
- Validation of digital forensic software and hardware
"Validation study of deep learning algorithms for detecting image manipulation in forensic contexts: Accuracy, false positive rates, and robustness across compression formats."
Secondary Focus Areas
Forensic Anthropology & Osteology
Scientific methods for skeletal analysis, age estimation, trauma interpretation, and taphonomic studies. Focus on analytical techniques rather than case applications.
Questioned Document Examination
Analytical approaches to handwriting analysis, ink characterization, paper analysis, and document authentication using instrumental methods.
Forensic Entomology & Botany
Scientific methodologies for insect succession studies, botanical evidence analysis, and environmental forensics applications with validated protocols.
Ballistics & Firearms Examination
Analytical techniques for firearm identification, ammunition analysis, trajectory reconstruction, and toolmark examination with statistical validation.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Scientific methodologies for bloodstain interpretation, experimental validation studies, and fluid dynamics applications in forensic contexts.
Forensic Serology & Immunology
Analytical methods for body fluid identification, serological testing protocols, and immunological techniques for forensic applications.
Emerging Research Areas
Submissions in these frontier areas undergo enhanced peer review to ensure methodological rigor and validation standards meet forensic science requirements.
Article Types & Priorities
Editorial Standards & Requirements
Reporting Guidelines
- STROBE for observational studies
- STARD for diagnostic accuracy studies
- PRISMA for systematic reviews
- ARRIVE for animal research
- MIQE for qPCR experiments
Data & Materials Policy
- Raw data deposition in public repositories
- Method protocols with sufficient detail for replication
- Statistical analysis code availability
- Validation data for novel methods
- Inter-laboratory comparison results when applicable
Ethics & Compliance
- IRB/Ethics committee approval for human subjects
- IACUC approval for animal studies
- Informed consent documentation
- Chain of custody protocols for evidence
- Conflict of interest disclosure
Preprint & Prior Publication
- Preprints on recognized servers accepted
- Conference abstracts do not preclude submission
- Thesis chapters eligible if not previously published
- Duplicate publication strictly prohibited
- Must disclose all related submissions
Decision Metrics & Performance
Ready to Submit?
If your research advances forensic science methodology through rigorous analytical approaches, validated techniques, or novel instrumentation, we invite your submission. Review our author guidelines for formatting requirements and submission procedures.
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