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Research

The Department of Forensic Medicine conducts broad research in clinical forensic medicine, classical forensic pathology, forensic imaging, forensic chemistry, toxicology and forensic anthropology.

We conduct research in the following areas:
  • Forensic pathology
  • Forensic toxicology
  • Forensic anthropology (including palaeodemography, palaeoepidemiology and palaeopathology)
  • Alcohol and drug abuse

Research at the Department of Forensic Medicine is primarily derived from the department’s core tasks and includes only a limited amount of basic research.

See an overview of our research publications.

Research projects

  • Analysis of Vaping Products in Circulation in Denmark

    The interdisciplinary research project involves the Section of Forensic Chemistry at the University of Southern Denmark, the National Institute of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark, as well as the Department of Anaesthesiology at Bispebjerg Hospital. The project collects and analyses vaping products (e-cigarettes / puff bars) from sources representing products currently in circulation in Denmark. The aim is to identify and map the presence of nicotine and drug-related substances in these products.

    Vaping products containing high levels of nicotine, drugs or other substances may cause severe poisoning, tissue damage, and pose potential health risks – particularly for young users. Currently, there is a limited knowledge about which products are available, what they contain, the risks they pose, and how these relate to young people’s usage patterns and knowledge. This project aims to address these critical knowledge gaps.

    The project has no investigative or law enforcement purpose, and we do not function as a police authority. Its sole objective is to generate reliable, evidenced-based knowledge about vaping products currently in circulation, supporting the development of effective preventive initiatives. All products are handled anonymously and cannot be traced back to individuals.

    As vaping products contain lithium batteries, the collection also supports the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of hazardous waste.

    For further information, please contact the Section of Forensic Chemistry at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Odense.

    Contact information
    Retskemisk@sdu.dk

  • En landsdækkende retrospektiv opgørelse af retskemiske analysedata fra anmeldte drugging tilfælde ved de retsmedicinske institutter i Danmark gennemføres. Drugging defineres ved at et sløvende eller stimulerende stof administreres til en person uden dennes samtykke. Projektet inddrager data fra alle, hvis blod- og urinprøver er testet for drugging ved et af de tre retsmedicinske institutter i Danmark fra 2022 til juli 2024 som led i politiets efterforskning.

    Projektet vil kortlægge alder og køn for de personer der oplever drugging, samt evt. oplyst indtag af læge- og rusmidler i forbindelse med hændelsen. Antallet af tilfælde, hvor der findes stimulerende og/eller sløvende lægemiddel- og misbrugsstoffer inkl. alkohol ved retskemisk analyse og de fundne stoffer beskrives, ligesom tiden der går fra hændelsen til prøvetagning opgøres for de tilfælde, hvor dette er oplyst. Denne parameter er vigtig for kortlægningen, idet der er bedre muligheder for at måle stoffer i prøverne, jo kortere tiden fra hændelsen til prøvetagningen er.

    Undersøgelsens resultat vil give myndigheder og politikere indsigt i hvilke stoffer der er udbredt i det danske fest/natteliv, samt hvor mange danske drugging tilfælde, som er blevet anmeldt og retskemisk undersøgt.

    Projektet er et samarbejde mellem de tre retsmedicinske institutter i Danmark. Databehandlingen udføres i overensstemmelse med GDPR-reglerne og Databeskyttelsesloven. Databeskyttelseslovens § 10 giver de retsmedicinske institutter mulighed for at udarbejde opgørelsen.

  • Intoxicating Substances in E-Cigarette Products in Denmark

    This project examines intoxicating substances in e-cigarette products in Denmark through a nationwide retrospective study of products received for analysis at the forensic departments in the period 2020–2025.

    The study is based on forensic chemical analyses of products such as vapes, puff bars, e-liquids, and other devices associated with e-cigarettes. For each product, information is recorded on appearance, detected substances, date of receipt, and police district.

    The aim is to provide authorities and relevant professional groups with insight into which substances most commonly occur in e-cigarette products and to identify trends over time.

    The project is carried out in collaboration between the three forensic institutes in Denmark. Data processing is conducted in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Danish Data Protection Act. The study is conducted pursuant to Section 10 of the Danish Data Protection Act.

    For further information, please contact the Sections of Forensic Chemistry at the Departments of Forensic Medicine in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense.

    Contact information
    Retskemisk@sdu.dk

Last Updated 25.06.2026