Forensic Science in the 21st Century: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

The 21st century is characterized by a rapid, transformative evolution in forensic science driven by technology, biology, digital sciences, and cross-field collaboration. This review analyses technological modernizations in forensic practices, specifically in DNA profiling, digital forensics, AI, forensic toxicology, and 3D imaging. Further, it discusses important hindrances to the integration of these technologies, including ethical issues, data privacy, legal admissibility, and the lack of universal compliance frameworks. The document also discusses AI-empowered forensic decision-making, microbiome forensics, and virtual autopsies, underscoring innovations that sharpen criminal investigation precision, efficiency, reliability, and trustworthiness. The review aims to highlight the need for policy changes and interdisciplinary cooperation by exposing the forensic science digitization opportunities and challenges.