Sofie Claerhout

Background

About Sofie Claerhout

Hey you! I am Sofie Claerhout, doctor in forensic genetics investigating the only part of the DNA I don't have myself: the male Y-chromosomal DNA. Wh? To finally identify unknown murderers, rapists, and anonymous body remains, going beyond what regular forensic DNA analysis can achieve. I baptized my research as '', Crime Scene investigation on the Y-chromosome. More info. Leer alles over CSY in mijn boek ''(op een zo helder mogelijke manier geschreven voor het brede publiek, op vraag van Uitgeverij Lannoo) As a postdoctoral researcher at the laboratory of Forensic Genetics (FWO, KU Leuven & KULAK) my main research interest focusses on the human Y-chromosome and all its genetic-genealogical applications: forensic & population genetics, socio-demographic family history, molecular & evolutionary biology and even its correlation with medical diagnostics & life sciences.// For over 10 years, I've been trying to get Belgium on board with including in our standard forensic DNA analysis. Today, the Y is still highly underused and undervalued, stemming from its historical misconception as unimportant. But thanks to our innovative scientific research, we are now aware it serves as an interesting perpetrator identification tool. So, wh not?