Aaron Amankwaa

Aaron Amankwaa is an Assistant Professor of Forensic Biology and Forensic Science Policy at Northumbria University, UK. He leads the MSc Forensic Science programme and is the Quality Lead for CSFS accreditation. His work bridges forensic science, law, and policing, with a focus on policy-impact research.

Education:

• BSc Biochemistry (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, 2013)
• MSc Forensic Science (University of Strathclyde, 2015)
• PhD in Forensic DNA Databasing (Northumbria University, 2019)
• PGCert in Education (Northumbria University, 2021)

Research Interests: Regulation of forensic DNA/biometric databases, body fluids persistence, Forensic vLabs, and crime reduction strategies. He advises policymakers globally and has contributed to reports for agencies like the Scottish Independent Advisory Group on Biometrics and New Zealand Law Commission.

Key Achievements:

• Developed frameworks for forensic DNA policies in African countries
• Authored the UNODC handbook on gender-based violence evidence processing
• Recipient of AsSIST-UK Doctoral Prize (2020) and Dr. Ray Williams Award (2022)

Teaching & Innovation: Spearheads online forensic science training tools (Forensic vLabs) and evaluates crime reduction initiatives like out-of-court disposals. Supervises self-funded PhD projects in his research themes.