Marie Allen is a Professor of Forensic Genetics. Her research team at Uppsala University (UU) is working on improving forensic DNA analysis assays for improved sensitivity and better discrimination. The research is also focused on developing strategies to counteract common challenges in evidence material, such as DNA degradation, DNA damage, DNA mixtures, and contamination. Several forensic assays based on pyrosequencing, microarrays, real-time PCR, Sanger-sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing analysis have been developed and used successfully to analyse forensic evidence in recent and cold cases. The new assays have also been used in historical DNA research, such as for the identification analyses of the putative remains of Nicolaus Copernicus, Carin Göring and Saint Birgitta of Sweden.
