In March 2025, the ninth round of the International Cold Case Analysis Project (ICCAP) will conclude, marking another significant milestone in the global effort to solve long-standing unsolved cases and to train students on this topic. This round focused on the analysis of nine cold cases, bringing together academic expertise and forensic investigation to uncover new leads and insights.
The ninth round of ICCAP commenced in October 2024, drawing participation from an impressive 27 universities and police academies across Australia, Europe, and the Americas. The growing interest in ICCAP highlights the project’s success in fostering collaboration between students, academics, and law enforcement professionals in the field of criminal justice.
Karsten Bettels, leader of ICCAP, emphasized the ongoing nature of case analysis within the project: “Some of the cold cases have already been analysed in previous ICCAPs, but there are always new stimuli for further analysis in the final presentations, making it necessary to look at the cases further.” This iterative approach ensures that cases continue to receive fresh perspectives and critical evaluations from new participants.
This edition of ICCAP welcomed several new universities to its network, further enriching the depth and diversity of expertise involved in cold case investigations. From France, Paris Saclay joined with its forensic science program, while Georgia saw the inclusion of the University of Georgia, Ilia State University, and Tbilisi University, all contributing expertise in criminal law. Germany was represented by students of the University of Dusseldorf, adding to the European contingent. In the Netherlands, both the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science and Leiden University’s criminology department brought their analytical and investigative perspectives to the project. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s participation was expanded with students from the University of Huddersfield and Nottingham Trent University, both specializing in forensic archaeology. Across the Atlantic, the United States saw new participation from Sam Houston State University’s forensic science program and Dallas Baptist University’s criminal justice department. The inclusion of these institutions strengthens ICCAP’s interdisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from forensic science, criminal law, criminology, and data analysis.
As ICCAP 9 concludes, anticipation builds for the tenth round, which is set to begin in April 2025. The upcoming round will welcome even more universities and police academies, continuing the expansion of this important initiative. With each new edition, ICCAP advances the field of cold case analysis by equipping students and professionals with the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world investigations.
The ongoing collaboration between academic institutions and law enforcement underscores the importance of knowledge-sharing in solving complex criminal cases. As ICCAP continues to grow, its impact on forensic science and criminal investigations will undoubtedly expand, contributing to justice for victims and their families.
