William Goodwin

Dr. William Goodwin is a Reader in Forensic Genetics at the School of Law and Policing, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). With over 30 years of experience in forensic genetics since 1994, he joined UCLan in 2002 and has shaped their Forensic Science and DNA Profiling MSc program while contributing to undergraduate teaching.

• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Forensic Advisory Board
• Technical Assessor for UK Accreditation Service (ISO17025 standard)
• Global fieldwork in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and more

His research spans forensic genetics, focusing on:

• Optimization of DNA collection, storage, and extraction methods
• Population genetics and Y-STR analysis in Middle Eastern/African populations
• Touch DNA recovery from diverse surfaces (fabric, bone, sand)
• Development of internal amplification controls for forensic kits
• Human identification protocols for disaster and humanitarian contexts

Recent publications analyze DNA persistence across environmental conditions, direct amplification techniques, and genetic diversity in UAE, Saudi, Ghanaian, and Iraqi populations. His work bridges forensic science with applications to human rights investigations and humanitarian action.

As a technical assessor, he evaluates forensic laboratories against ISO17025 standards. Collaborations include projects with Dubai Police, ICRC, and international genetic research teams.