Expert Witness: Molecular Diagnostics and PCR Evidence

Independent scientific expertise in molecular diagnostics, PCR testing and the interpretation of laboratory evidence

I am Professor of Molecular Medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, with extensive experience in molecular diagnostics, quantitative PCR (qPCR), gene expression analysis and the assessment of experimental reliability. My work has focused particularly on the validity, reproducibility and interpretation of molecular measurements, including the identification of methodological shortcomings that can lead to misleading scientific, clinical or forensic conclusions.

Expert Witness Experience

I have provided expert scientific evidence in civil and criminal proceedings in the UK and internationally, including:

  • MMR vaccine and autism litigation: Examination of PCR-based evidence purporting to demonstrate the presence of measles virus in children with autism. My investigation identified serious methodological deficiencies that undermined the reliability of the reported findings.

  • The Mark Lundy murder case, New Zealand: Expert assessment of molecular evidence in criminal proceedings.

  • UK murder trials: Provision of expert scientific evidence concerning molecular testing and the interpretation of laboratory findings.

  • COVID-19-related cases: Expert assessment of PCR testing, diagnostic reliability and the interpretation of molecular test results.

Areas of Expertise

I led the development of the internationally recognised MIQE (Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments) guidelines, first published in 2009 and updated as MIQE 2.0 in 2025. I can provide independent scientific assessment in matters involving:

  • PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR and digital PCR methodology and interpretation

  • Reliability and validation of molecular diagnostic tests

  • False-positive and false-negative molecular test results

  • Experimental design, assay performance and quality assurance

  • Interpretation of gene expression and other molecular data

  • Scientific reproducibility, methodological deficiencies and disputed laboratory evidence

Expert Scientific Assessment

I can assist legal teams through independent review of laboratory records, analytical methods, published research and disputed scientific findings, as well as the preparation of expert reports.

My assessments distinguish between what the experimental evidence demonstrates, what may reasonably be inferred from it and conclusions that are not adequately supported by the available data.

My overriding responsibility as an expert witness is to provide independent, impartial scientific evidence to the court.

Enquiries

I welcome enquiries from solicitors, barristers and legal teams seeking independent scientific advice or expert witness services in matters involving molecular diagnostics, PCR testing or disputed laboratory evidence.

Please use the Contact page to discuss the nature of your enquiry.