IDENT3D_GI2-CESPU-2025 - 3D Scanning for Human Identification Using Degraded Dental and Bone Remains.

Principal Investigator: 
Daniel Pérez Mongiovi
Leader Institution: 
1H-TOXRUN - CESPU
Research Team: 
Inês Caldas, Adèle Augier, Alexandra Teixeira, Rui Azevedo, Tatiana Anaísa Martins Pereira, Teresa Pinho
Funding entity: 
CESPU
Budget: 
3.000 €
Period covered: 
01.09.2025 – 31.08.2026
Abstract: 

This project aims to validate 3D surface imaging as a forensic tool for human identification and age estimation in scenarios involving degraded biological remains. It focuses on analyzing dental morphological traits and cranial suture closure under extreme environmental conditions. A simulation model using human teeth will replicate fire scenarios to assess thermal effects on dental structures. Pre and post-exposure 3D scans and 3D-printed replicas will allow morphological comparisons and trait visibility assessment. Additionally, cranial sutures from identified human skeletons will be scanned and cataloged to evaluate age estimation using 3D data, comparing it with direct observation. The study addresses the current gap in validating 3D imaging for forensic applications involving burned or fragile remains and seeks to enhance protocols for rapid, non-invasive identification in real-world mass disaster or high-degradation contexts.

Program: 
GI2-CESPU-2025