Kristian Linnet

Kristian Linnet is a Professor at the Section of Forensic Chemistry within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. His work spans drug metabolism, postmortem pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, and analytical method development. With over 300 research outputs including 250 journal articles, he has established himself as a leading expert in forensic toxicology.

• Primary Affiliation: University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
• Specialization: Forensic Chemistry
• Expertise: Drug metabolism, Postmortem pharmacology, Pharmacogenetics

Dr. Linnet's educational background includes an MD, DMSc, and Specialist qualification in clinical biochemistry. His academic career includes the position of Professor MSO from 2005-2013.

Linnet's research interests focus on drug metabolism in relation to the cytochrome P450-system with emphasis on risk factors for intoxication, postmortem pharmacology with focus on interpreting postmortem concentrations of drugs and drugs of abuse, pharmacogenetics related to psychoactive compounds, and development of analytical methods based on mass spectrometry with statistical validation aspects. His current research specifically targets metabolism and pharmacogenetics of new psychoactive substances (NPS), postmortem reference concentrations of psychoactive drugs, and development of analytical methods based on UPLC-MS/MS and UPLC-TOF.

His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on forensic toxicology applications, particularly in postmortem analysis, drug-facilitated sexual assault investigations, and analytical method development. The research shows a clear trend toward automation and high-throughput methods while maintaining scientific rigor in forensic applications. His work bridges clinical pharmacology with forensic science, creating practical tools for real-world forensic investigations.

As an educator, Linnet delivers lectures in forensic toxicology and drug metabolism and serves as a supervisor for students and PhD candidates at the Section of Forensic Toxicology. His teaching directly connects with his research expertise, ensuring students receive current, practical knowledge in this specialized field.

His laboratory work focuses on developing and validating analytical methods using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, with particular attention to postmortem toxicology applications. The research group maintains strong connections with forensic institutions and collaborates internationally on drug-related death investigations and method development.