Analytical chemistry plays a crucial role in almost all present-day forensic research, for example in criminal cases concerning the misuse of explosives or the production and trade of illicit drugs. Chemical forensic research can also be invaluable for characterising microtraces like fragments of glass, gunshot residues or fibres from clothing, or in an investigation into the exact cause of a fire.

Instantly generating valuable information

As part of his research, Arian van Asten focuses on developing methods for forensic chemical identification and for the chemical characterisation of evidence. Among this is the development of methods, sensors and data platforms that enable rapid on-scene chemical analyses so that materials and objects can be examined immediately, for example at the crime scene. This enables the instant generation of valuable information for the tactical investigation and for evidence selection for further analysis at the forensic laboratory.

The need for a simple method to conduct valuable and robust chemical analysis on-scene goes beyond forensic research. Think of security screenings at airports; checking the contents of parcels and containers; determining the quality and authenticity of food; and optimising production processes in the chemical industry.

Besides carrying out research, Van Asten teaches in the field of forensic and analytical chemistry and chemical field analyses, primarily to students of the Master’s programme in Forensic Science and of the Analytical Sciences track of the Master’s programme in Chemistry. He is also the education director of the UvA’s Master’s programme in Forensic Science, which is coordinated by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies.

About Arian van Asten

Van Asten has been a professor by special appointment at the UvA since 2012, supported by the Stichting Leerstoel Criminalistiek (Crime Chair Foundation, 2012-2018) and the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI, 2018-2023). On 1 September 2023, he was appointed full UvA professor of Forensic Analytical Chemistry and On-Scene Chemical Analysis. 

Together with Prof. Maurice Aalders, Van Asten was the driving force behind the creation of the Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), the interdisciplinary center of expertise in forensic scientific and medical research in Amsterdam. Van Asten has been co-director of the CLHC since 2013. From 2006 to 2018, he was affiliated with the Netherlands Forensic Institute following a career spanning more than ten years in the chemical industry. At the NFI, he held consecutive posts as head of the department of Chemistry, head of the department of Physical Technology, head of the department of Science, Interdisciplinary Research, Statistics and Knowledge Management, and as Research and Development coordinator. He was also a member of the NFI’s management team until 2016. In addition, Van Asten has coordinated various complex international case studies. As part of his chair, he works closely with the NFI, where he is a visiting UvA scientist one day a week.