Virtual Reality in Forensic Science: A Conversation with Vincenzo Rinaldi, Senior Research Engineer at the University of Dundee


In this insightful interview, Vincenzo Rinaldi, Senior Research Engineer in Extended Reality at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS), University of Dundee, discusses the use of virtual reality in addressing a longstanding challenge in forensic science: effective communication in the courtroom and training environments.

The conversation, recorded during the Leica Geosystems Public Safety Conference in Portsmouth, UK, in February 2025, highlights how virtual reality reconstructions, supported by laser scanning and photogrammetry, are being used to improve the understanding of crime scenes. These tools offer new ways to present complex spatial information to jurors, judges, and trainees.

Rinaldi emphasises that while virtual reality is a powerful tool, its implementation must be approached with care. There are several risks and pitfalls, including the potential for technology’s visual impact to lead to either underestimation or overestimation of its evidential value.

To ensure responsible use, the team at LRCFS adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with forensic practitioners and subject-matter experts. Rather than imposing solutions, they focus on understanding the real needs of professionals involved in training and testimony. This careful, research-led approach acknowledges both the potential and the limitations of immersive technologies in forensic contexts.

Customer: Vincenzo Rinaldi
Senior Research Engineer in Extended Reality | CTO Designate

Email: vrinaldi001@dundee.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1382 386499
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/people/vincenzo-rinaldi
Vincenzo Rinaldi on LinkedIn
Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science


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