Stephen Bleay

Dr. Stephen Bleay is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Human Sciences, London South Bank University, with over 25 years of experience in forensic and materials science research. Previously serving as a Senior Technical Specialist at the Home Office Centre for Applied Science & Technology and Principal Scientist at QinetiQ, he brings extensive expertise in fingerprint analysis and trace evidence recovery.

• PhD and BSc (First Class) in Materials Science from University of Bath
• Fellow of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining

His research focuses on environmental interactions with trace evidence, particularly examining how physical/chemical properties change under extreme conditions to improve forensic recovery methods. He has developed advanced imaging systems for fingerprint capture and authored the internationally recognized Fingerprint Development Techniques – Theory and Application textbook (2018).

Recent publications highlight innovations in multi-modal mass spectrometry for drug detection in fingerprints and comparative studies of light sources for evidence retrieval. His work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) through forensic science training and methodology development.

Scientific Awards & Memberships:

• Fellow of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining
• Co-author of Home Office Fingermark Visualisation Manual

As a Forensic Advisor to DSTL and Technical Assessor for UKAS, he bridges academic research with real-world forensic laboratory standards. His teaching portfolio includes Introduction to Forensic Science, Crime Scene Processing, and Advanced Research Methods.