Crime & Security research within the department of Chemistry

Chemical and instrumental techniques are at the forefront of the fight against crime, the maintenance of  security and the optimisation of the capabilities of the UK's armed forces.  Work within the Crime and Security group addresses these issues by utilising staff expertise within projects which may use either class of technique or which may combine them in novel approaches to addressing key issues. In the course of this work the Department has forged close links to a range of bodies such as the Ministry of Defence, Home Office Scientific Development Branch, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory etc. Further general information on activities within this Group can be obtained by contacting the Group Leader, Dr David Worrall.

With respect to the recent announcement of University studentships, we have a  range of potential projects on offer.  A selection of these are listed below.  Before reading them please bear in mind a few points:

• This  list is not absolutely definitive and if you have an interest in the work of an individual member of staff here at Loughborough then please feel free to contact them directly.
• Further information on the work of the member of staff associated with each project can be obtained from the links to individual's home pages.  Specific information on the projects in question can be obtained from the staff member in question by email request or phone.  Please remember, though, that for things to progress a general application form must be filled in and this can be obtained by contacting Dr George Weaver. Remember also that this current initiative is competitive, and funding for projects is not guaranteed; note also such funding is limited to UK/EU students only.
• Often the projects listed are actually collaborative ventures involving a number of members of staff from Chemistry and, in some cases, other departments at Loughborough.  In addition, in some cases the work will span more than one of our Research Groups, and has been placed within “Crime and Security” as this is maybe the primary focus.  The staff member mentioned is, though, the best port of call for preliminary enquiries.

Potential PhD projects include:

Dr Martin Smith

• Novel Materials for the Detection of High Explosives

The sensitive detection of high explosives will be addressed in this collaborative project through the chemical synthesis of new metal based sensors.

Dr Paul Kelly

• Novel techniques for the imaging of “removed” fingerprints

This work will utilise a variety of recent developments with the aim of imaging prints which have been “wiped” - either deliberately or by the action of percussion/explosion.  Note this project could potentially run in conjunction with the above work.

• New reagents for fingermark development

This project will build upon recent results (which used the polymerisation of S₂N₂) to image fingerprints using novel chemical techniques.  Close collaboration with HOSDB will allow for tailoring of the work to current forensic requirements.

Dr Sian Williams

• Invisible inks for use in security applications

Modification of photochromic materials in order to increase their photostability, solubility and usability in security applications will be investigated. This will be a collaborative project with Dave Worrall.