EFI at the International Association of Forensic Sciences 2026 Conference.

Four research projects from EFI have been selected for presentation at the International Association of Forensic Sciences 2026 Conference.

Over 1,700 abstracts from more than 90 countries worldwide were submitted. Following the selection process for oral presentations, four of our research projects were chosen and will be presented at the 24th Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences, which will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 25–30 May 2026.

We congratulate our students who were selected and will present their research: Ledio Zeneli, Clara Pisano, Gaia Gervasi and Janice Xerri. We also express our gratitude to the academic team and lecturers who supported the research, as well as to our partner companies, Securcube, EcaptureDtech and the Malta Police Forensic Science Laboratory. We remain committed to continuing our work in advancing forensic science research and innovation.

Below is a brief description of the selected projects:

1.  Mapping the Digital Footprint of Malta: A Forensic-Grade Wireless Network Study

Researchers: Gaia Gervasi and Janice Xerri (students, Master’s in Cyber security, Digital Forensics and Crime Analysis), Andreas Melinato (Head, European Forensic Institute), Nicola Chemello (CEO, Securcube S.r.l.)

This study delivers the first large-scale forensic-grade mapping of wireless network coverage across Malta. Using BTS Tracker hardware and its companion data-collection application, the research team conducted continuous scanning on foot, by bus and by car, capturing:

Cellular cell IDs

Wi-Fi signals

Bluetooth beacons

The resulting dataset provides an unprecedented ground-truth reference of signal distribution across the island. Early findings revealed unexpected coverage gaps, even in high-density areas, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on traditional cell tower records, where signal variability and incomplete mapping can lead to misleading investigative conclusions.

This project demonstrates how forensic-grade signal mapping can support both prosecution and defence by offering:

A scientifically validated reconstruction of device movement

A reliable framework for challenging or corroborating police assertions

A new standard for mobile location analysis in cases ranging from homicide to missing persons investigations

The study marks Phase 1 of a long-term initiative to extend the mapping to all Maltese islands.

2.  Enhancing Latent Print Recovery: Fingerprint Visualisation on Synthetic Leather

Researcher: Clara Pisano (student, Master’s of Science in Forensic Biology; alumna, Bachelor’s in Forensic Science), Maria Carla Rampulla (Lecturer, European Forensic Institute)

Fingerprint detection on synthetic leather presents unique challenges due to its non-porous, textured surface. This research compares two of the most established enhancement techniques used for difficult substrates:

Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD)

Cyanoacrylate Fuming (CNA)

Pisano’s study investigates the clarity, consistency and ridge-detail quality produced by each method, contributing valuable insights into controlled laboratory processes for complex materials commonly encountered in cases involving bags, wallets, upholstery and vehicle interiors.

The findings support operational forensic laboratories in selecting the most effective treatment pathway depending on the type, age and condition of latent prints on synthetic surfaces.

3.  Validating 3D Crime Scene Tools: Fall Analysis and Bullet Trajectory in eyesCloud3D

Researcher: Ledio Zeneli (student, Bacherlor’s in Investigative Criminology and Criminal Psychology).

Zeneli’s conducted two complementary validation studies focusing on eyesCloud3D, a cloud-based photogrammetry platform developed by EcaptureDtech:

Analysis of the “Fall Analysis” tool

Analysis of the “Bullet Trajectory” tool

Using 3D models generated through smartphone-based photogrammetry, the research evaluates:

The accuracy of the platform’s computational results

Its reliability in reconstructing events

Its applicability in forensic casework involving impact analysis, injury biomechanics and ballistic reconstruction

These validation studies contribute to a broader question: can cloud-based photogrammetry reliably support modern forensic reconstructions?

4.  Smart Photogrammetry in Forensic Science: Evaluating eyesCloud3D for Educational and Professional Use

A parallel research initiative, conducted with the support of EcaptureDtech, explored the feasibility of using smartphones to create 3D models of small, medium and large objects, as well as full crime scene environments. Six students scanned items indoors and outdoors using photographs or video, then uploaded the data to the eyesCloud3D platform for model generation.

Key findings include:

Medium-sized indoor objects yielded the highest-quality models

Reflective materials, such as vehicle surfaces, were the most challenging to scan

All students reported that even brief training significantly improved model accuracy

The technology shows strong potential for both educational and professional forensic applications, particularly when in-person crime scene access is limited

This research reinforces the growing role of photogrammetry in crime scene documentation, training and evidence visualisation.