A look at the Forensic Scientist Role in FSI

Please tell us about your role

The primary role of a Forensic Scientist is to examine and analyse exhibits from crime scenes to provide scientific findings that can be used to further criminal investigations. Forensic Scientists can specialise in one of several areas. 

The Physical Analysis Department is comprised of three different sections: Chemistry, Documents and Handwriting, and Fingerprints. The Forensic Scientists in the Chemistry section analyses a range of trace materials including gunshot residue, explosives and chemical unknowns to determine their chemical composition and also carries out comparisons of trace materials such as glass fragments and fibres from exhibits to determine a possible origin. The Forensic Scientists in the Documents and Handwriting Section examines handwritten letters and official documents to determine if they are genuine or forged. The Forensic Scientists in Fingerprint Section examine exhibits to see if finger-marks can be retrieved. The marks are then searched against our National Database to determine if we can match the unknown finger-mark.

The Forensic Scientists in the DNA and Biological Analysis Department carries out examinations of items associated with a crime for the presence of biological material such as bloodstaining and bloodstain patterns, semen, hair, bone, tissue and cellular DNA. DNA profiling is used by the Forensic Scientists to attempt to identify a possible source of the biological material by comparison of these profiles with reference DNA profiles and/or searching against the National DNA Database. 

The Forensic Scientists in the Chemical Analysis Department are responsible for assessing, analysing, identifying and reporting all materials suspected to contravene the Misuse of Drugs Acts. Examples of such materials include plant materials, powders, tablets, vape oils and blood and urine for Toxicology cases. Case types range from simple possession cases (Section3) to very large drugs seizures (Section15A) such as the seizure of over two tonnes of cocaine from the cargo ship, the MV Mathew, in 2023. The range of substances that are reported on include routine detections such as cannabis, cocaine and diacetylmorphine to newly identified compounds such as 4’-chlorodeschloroalprazolam.

What were your reasons for applying for your role?

Like many people who grew up watching CSI on television, I have always thought a Forensic Scientist was a very interesting and unique job. When the job opportunity was advertised, I thought I would be a good fit for the role with my scientific background and attention to detail, even though I did not study forensic science specifically at university. FSI have also recently built a new state of the art building, which contains some of the most up to date and sophisticated equipment in forensic science. This has put FSI at the forefront of forensic science in Europe, which made the role even more appealing to me.

What do you value most about your job?

Providing a service to the public is what I value most about this job. Our work can help to solve a crime and provide a sense of justice to victims. It can also assist investigations by ascertaining that a person is innocent of an alleged crime. There is a great satisfaction in knowing your work as a Forensic Scientist has a real-world impact in our criminal justice system and in society.

What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?

As Forensic Scientists are civil servants, we benefit from flexible working hours, which means you can balance work and your personal life. FSI is very proactive in its supports for staff, we can avail of the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service, Peer Support, as well as a mentoring system between senior staff and new members. FSI also supports staff who wish to further their education, with many having achieved Diplomas, Masters and PhDs during their time here. My colleagues are also a great source of support to me, as they provide professional advice on tough cases but are also there just to have a talk after a serious case if needed.

What opportunities has this role provided for you?

One of the biggest benefits of working in FSI is that we are a member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI). Staff are invited to attend and present at the annual ENFSI conferences, which are held in different European countries. It is an opportunity to discuss the latest developments in your field with your peers from different parts of the world. In 2025, FSI hosted a conference for the European Academy of Forensic Science in Dublin, for which many staff were able to attend and present talks and posters. FSI also support training in non-scientific skills such as quality management, health and safety and data protection, which are very beneficial skill sets to have.

What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?

I enjoy the variety of the work most of all as a Forensic Scientist. Your day-to-day involves treating a large range of different types of exhibits, with some unique items entering the lab. As a Forensic Scientist you may be called to court to give evidence as an expert witness, which is a very interesting and rewarding experience as it an opportunity to see the contribution of your work. Additionally, FSI are always looking to implement new techniques, so opportunities for research and validation are always present. No one day is ever the same.