Inside Forensic Imaging: An International Experience

The School of Health Sciences - Vaud (HESAV), in partnership with the University Center of Legal Medicine (CURML), offers the International Program in Forensic Radiology (IP-FoR).

IP-FoR introduces BSc Radiology students to the fascinating and rapidly evolving field of forensic radiology. As medical imaging has become an essential component of modern forensic investigations, radiographers now play a key role within multidisciplinary medicolegal teams, contributing valuable expertise to the identification, documentation, and analysis of forensic cases.

Designed as both an academic and practical introduction, the program explores the principles, applications, and professional responsibilities of forensic radiology. Participants will gain insight into how imaging techniques support forensic and legal investigations.

Through collaboration with experts from CURML, students will discover a subspecialty that expands the traditional scope of radiographic practice and opens new perspectives for professional development in healthcare, research, and forensic sciences. Join us in Lausanne for a unique opportunity!

This unique program offers an immersive introduction to the multidisciplinary world of forensic sciences. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Explore the fundamentals of forensic sciences and their application in criminal and medicolegal investigations.
• Discover key areas of forensic practice, including forensic toxicology, post-mortem clinical chemistry, and forensic molecular biology (DNA analysis).
• Gain first-hand insight into clinical forensic examinations and post-mortem imaging procedures.
• Understand the principles and challenges of crime scene investigation and evidence documentation.
• Learn to recognize and interpret the morphology of injuries and lesions.
• Explore the contribution of forensic anthropology and social anthropology to human identification and forensic investigations.
• Reflect on the ethical, legal, and professional issues involved in forensic practice.

• Lectures and seminars
• Laboratory demonstrations
• Hands-on clinical and practical training
• Independent study
• Guided visits to forensic and medicolegal facilities

• Critical oral presentation based on the analysis and reflective discussion of a recent scientific article.
• Practical assignments assessing the integration of theoretical knowledge into forensic and radiographic practice

Open to

Radiology students from HESAV's partner universities participating in the Swiss-European Mobility Program (SEMP). Participation is limited to a maximum of 6 students to ensure high-quality supervision.

Selection

International students are selected by their home institution.

Prerequisite

To ensure adequate preparation for the practical and emotional aspects of forensic practice, participants are required to undertake a short placement (1-3 days) prior to the program in a medicolegal or forensic service affiliated with their home institution.