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Golden Spatula 2014

Winner of the Golden Spatula 2013

Gino Groeneveld

“Detection of drugs and their metabolites in fingerprints using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) platform”, Hogeschool Leiden

Gino studied Forensic Science at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and chose to conduct his specialist chemical graduation research at the Netherlands Forensic Institute. Here, he delved into a forensically relevant and highly innovative issue involving the detection of various drugs and their metabolites in fingerprints.

He carried out the experimental method development at Sheffield Hallam University in England. Mass spectrometry (MS) was used at various levels; not only MALDI-TOF MS and Q-TOF MS were applied for this research, but he also used MS Imaging and Ion Mobility MS.

Gino not only applied mass spectrometry techniques and developed them for the new fingerprint research, but also demonstrated his ability to interpret the data well and his excellent insights in the evaluation of the MS spectra obtained.

During his research, Gino proved that his theoretical and practical knowledge is of a very high standard. His thesis was written in very good English and clearly illustrated with high-quality images. The results achieved are relevant for new practical applications in modern forensic trace analysis, which must show whether a suspect has not only touched drugs but also actually used them.

According to the selection committee, Gino is an excellent candidate for a nomination for the Golden Spatula.