Constructing knowledge on investigative genetic genealogy: policy-making, human rights and the private individual

Abstract

Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) is a controversial new forensic investigative tool which sees state and private actors exploit the wealth of genetic data stored within genetic genealogy databases to generate investigative leads for criminal justice purposes. As such, the use of IGG raises privacy concerns not only for individuals whose genetic data are stored within those genetic genealogy databases, but also for their blood relatives. This thesis responds to the emergence of IGG and couples a science and technology studies (STS) methodological framework with dramaturgy to critically examine the aetiology of knowledge production on IGG, the epicentre for which was centred within the United States. By doing so, this thesis develops theory as to how knowledge on IGG was constructed within the United States before revealing the nuanced knowledge-making activities which were undertaken by a number of key authoritative bodies within the United Kingdom and the knowledge they produced. While the outworkings of IGG within contemporary society remain unclear, this thesis provides an academic resource to inform the United Kingdom debate and makes a number of contributions to criminal justice, human rights and STS scholarship.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2028.

Date of Award	Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	AHRC Northern Bridge Consortium
Supervisor	Alessandro Corda (Supervisor) & Thérèse Murphy (Supervisor)