Dr Matthew McGuigan

Dr. Matthew McGuigan is a Research Fellow at the University of Exeter specializing in computer vision, artificial intelligence, and fingerprint recognition. During his PhD, he developed the Remote Extraction of Latent Fingerprints (RELF) algorithm, which uses artificial intelligence to identify latent fingerprints—those left unintentionally on surfaces—while preserving critical forensic evidence. This work is published in IEEE Xplore.

Matthew holds a patent for a latent print extraction apparatus and method (WIPO Patent WO2023007132A1), designed to remotely extract fingerprints from curved surfaces without physical contact. His research integrates advanced multi-light imaging techniques with machine learning to analyze surfaces and improve fingerprint recognition.

In addition to developing algorithms, Matthew designs and builds bespoke imaging devices that run his algorithms, as well as Android applications for controlling these prototypes and visualizing imaging outputs. He collaborates closely with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to support forensic investigations.

Matthew also participated in a TV interview explaining imaging techniques for solar eclipses, which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR57efH0Kfs.

Dr. McGuigan’s work focuses on leveraging innovative technologies to address challenges in imaging and surface analysis.