Seminar series “Crime in the Lab: when science meets justice”
Few things affect the lives of all of us as much as science and the administration of justice; in recent times, these two disciplines, although they have such different vocabularies, seem to have become increasingly conversant with each other, and in both the criminal and civil fields, scientific evidence is frequently used as a diriment for judicial decisions.
The question then arises: in the face of what mystery books and TV programs propose to us, what are the limits and real fields of application of expert investigation? What are the questions most often posed to technicians engaged in the field?
These and other questions are intended to be answered by the series of seminars “Crimes in the Lab: When Science Meets Justice.” which, in early spring, will be held at the Volta College, a college that in recent years is increasingly hosting lectures and seminars, free and open to all, that can offer insights into topics related to the relationship between science and other areas of knowledge.
The series of seminars, curated by Prof. Daniele Merli of the Department of Chemistry of our University, will feature as guests some of Pavia’s most distinguished experts in a number of disciplines of eminent legal interest, ranging from forensic medicine to genetics to toxicology and the direct relationship between justice and science.
Below is the schedule for the seminars, which will be held on the dates indicated at the Volta College lecture hall at 9 p.m.
March 24, 2026
Roberto Valli (Deputy Public Prosecutor at the Pavia Public Prosecutor’s Office)
Role of scientific and technical evidence in judicial proceedings
March 31, 2026
Carlo Alessandro Locatelli (Poison Control Center, IRCCS Maugeri, Pavia)
New and old psychoactive substances
April 14, 2026
Carlo Previderè (University of Pavia)
Forensic genetics between science and justice
April 21, 2026
Luca Morini (University of Pavia)
Postmortem toxicology
April 28, 2026
Giovanni Cecchetto (University of Pavia)
The medical examiner: part scientist and part detective
