Doctor at University of Florence, Italy
Dr. Martina Focardi is a highly esteemed forensic pathologist known for her exceptional expertise in forensic medicine. She currently holds the position of Acting Director of the Forensic Medicine Unit and Head of the Forensic Pathology Unit at the University Hospital of Careggi in Florence, Italy. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Focardi has made significant contributions to the fields of forensic pathology and forensic science. She has worked as a consultant for numerous legal institutions across Italy and has participated in various national and international forensic research projects. Her extensive list of publications and presentations at conferences reflect her commitment to advancing forensic science and improving medico-legal practices.
Profile
ORCID
Education:
Dr. Focardi earned her degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Florence, Italy, graduating with honors. In 2005, she specialized in Forensic Medicine, again receiving top marks. She further advanced her academic credentials by completing a 1st-level Master’s degree in Clinical Ethics at the University of Florence in 2007. Dr. Focardi has also attended numerous specialized courses in forensic psychology and psychopathology, which have helped refine her expertise in forensic medicine and its applications in both criminal and civil legal contexts.
Experience:
From 2012 to 2019, Dr. Focardi worked as a forensic pathologist at the Forensic Medicine Unit at the University Hospital of Careggi. Since 2019, she has been the Acting Director of the unit, overseeing daily operations and ensuring the quality of forensic services provided by the hospital. Dr. Focardi’s role also includes supervising the forensic pathology unit, where she investigates suspicious deaths and performs autopsies to aid in legal investigations. She is a trusted consultant for several Italian legal institutions, providing expert opinions in criminal, civil, and juvenile court cases. Additionally, Dr. Focardi is an active educator, lecturing at various academic institutions and training future forensic scientists and medical professionals.
Research Interest:
Dr. Focardi’s research interests lie primarily in forensic pathology, post-mortem identification, and the estimation of age in living individuals. She has conducted groundbreaking research in the field of dental DNA mutations for post-mortem interval estimation, using innovative methods to improve the accuracy of time-of-death assessments. Her work also spans areas such as forensic anthropology, trauma analysis, and forensic psychology. Dr. Focardi’s research is driven by her desire to enhance the reliability and precision of forensic techniques, ensuring they provide invaluable support in legal proceedings.
Awards:
Dr. Focardi was awarded the national scientific qualification for the position of 2nd-level professor in 2017, a testament to her dedication to academia and research. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to forensic science and medicine. She has also been honored for her presentations at numerous international and national conferences, further solidifying her status as a leader in the field.
Publication:
Dr. Focardi has authored over 80 scientific publications, contributing significantly to the forensic pathology literature. Some of her key publications include:
“Dental DNA Mutations Occurring after Death: A Novel Method for Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) Estimation” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
“Three-Dimensional Dental Analysis for Sex Estimation in the Italian Population” – Healthcare (Switzerland) (2022).
“Cyberbullying Victimization Among Adolescents: Results of the International Self-Report Delinquency Study 3” – International Journal of Adolescence and Youth (2022).
“Correction to: Tortures Alleged by Migrants in Italy” – International Journal of Legal Medicine (2021).
“Dental Age Estimation in Children Affected by Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis” – International Journal of Legal Medicine (2021).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Dr. Martina Focardi is a distinguished forensic pathologist and educator, making her a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her academic achievements, leadership roles, and dedication to teaching and research highlight her excellence. By expanding her global research collaborations and embracing emerging technologies, she can further amplify her contributions to forensic medicine and serve as a leading figure for women researchers in her field