Forensic scientists provide scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations and are primarily concerned with searching for and examining contact trace material associated with crimes. This material can include:

• blood and other body fluids
• hairs
• fibres from clothing
• paint and glass fragments
• tyre marks
• flammable substances used to start fires.

Although evidence is usually presented in writing as a formal statement or report, you may have to attend court to give your evidence in person as an expert witness.

This is a competitive area to get into so laboratory experience and a related scientific degree are essential.