Independent Forensic Expert of the Year The years of the pandemic (and those following) have been some of the most fruitful, fascinating and challenging, of the 39 years that I have had the privilege to be granted the permission to continue to prepare reports for service to the Courts, as a forensic scientist. Continuing on from the pioneering research carried out earlier in my career, at the Met Police Forensic Science Laboratory and Forensic Explosives Laboratory, review of my casework over the last 25 years has shown a record of continuing innovation and leadership in forensic science. This being in the principal fields of the introduction of improved methods of analysis and interpretation, by the application of modern evolving techniques to casework, in areas such as forensic toxicology, drugs, explosives, and other areas of forensic trace analysis and forensic chemistry, such as DNA and Firearms Discharge Residue. Currently, my most interesting potential development continues to be the application of the process of joint consideration of the detailed circumstantial evidence of all cases, along with the primary instructed expertise, forensic scientific evidence; allied with a broad range of understanding and expertise in a range of other close expert areas (e.g. drugs with toxicology). This depth of case study is perceived to be vital, as one is likely to be the only scientifically trained individual who will ever have the access to study and consider, in detail, the entire casefile details, and where critical aspects outside of one’s expertise can be brought to the attention of instructing Counsel for consideration by other experts. The critical importance of the tiniest and seemingly most insignificant written entry (especially in the unused evidence 72 LAWYER MONTHLY EXPERT WITNESS AWARDS 2025 Dr. John Douse BA, MA, DPhil (Oxford 1971-1978), FRSC, FCSFS, F ChromSoc, MEWI, MIExpE, TIAFT Principal Forensic Scientist OGT Forensic Limited If you feel that my comprehensive approach to casework could benefit your case, my contact details are as follows: drjohndouse2@btinternet.com (forensic-expert.org) UNITED KINGDOM With nearly four decades of forensic experience and more than 425 cases under his belt, Dr John Douse stands as one of the UK’s most distinctive and intellectually versatile expert witnesses. From his early days at the Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory to high-stakes murder trials and explosive investigations, his work has consistently pushed the boundaries of forensic science—whether through pioneering analytical methods, cross-disciplinary insights, or a rare willingness to walk the scene himself when the data won’t speak. In this profile, Dr Douse reflects on the innovations, extreme pressures, and unexpected breakthroughs that have shaped a career defined by rigorous science, intellectual tenacity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
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