Forensic DNA phenotyping represents a cutting-edge technique within forensic science, enabling the prediction of various physical traits and characteristics of an individual by analyzing their DNA. This includes the inference of features such as eye color, hair color, skin tone, and even facial morphology, all derived from DNA samples. Its potential applications span across criminal investigations and missing persons cases, offering valuable insights where traditional methods may fall short.

A recent addition to the toolkit of forensic DNA phenotyping is the ability to predict age through the analysis of DNA methylation markers. Professor Bekaert, an early pioneer in this field, will guide you through the intricacies of the aging process and how forensic scientists leverage these markers to estimate age. He will provide insights into the current state-of-the-art methodologies and address the challenges inherent in this evolving area of research. Furthermore, he will illustrate the practical relevance of these techniques through real forensic cases, demonstrating their utility in the pursuit of justice