Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne | Switzerland
Dr. Fabiano Riva is a forensic scientist, educator, and ballistics expert affiliated with the Ecole des Sciences Criminelles at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. With over two decades of experience in firearm identification, wound ballistics, and 3D reconstructions, he bridges academic rigor with field-based innovation. His professional journey spans top-tier institutions, and he currently teaches and collaborates on cutting-edge forensic research projects in Europe.
Professional profile👤
Scopus
Strengths for the Awards✨
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Extensive Experience in Forensic Ballistics:
Fabiano Riva has a robust background in forensic science, specifically ballistics and wound ballistics. With over two decades of academic and research involvement at renowned institutions like the Université de Lausanne, his career progression from a Master’s Assistant to a scientific collaborator and educator highlights a steady commitment to excellence.
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Research Output:
He has contributed to 27 peer-reviewed journal articles, an impressive count within a specialized forensic domain. These publications reflect sustained scholarly engagement.
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Academic Contributions:
Fabiano is actively involved in supervising 2–3 MSc theses annually, indicating a consistent contribution to the training of future forensic scientists.
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Collaborative Projects and International Recognition:
Participation in at least four internationally funded collaborative projects, along with his ties to top European forensic institutions (ENFSI, AFTE, BKA, NFI), demonstrates global integration and recognition.
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Specialization and Innovation:
His specialization in 3D reconstructions and surrogate-based wound ballistics methodologies—which simulate human tissue impacts—positions him at the forefront of innovative forensic techniques.
🎓 Education
Dr. Riva graduated in 2004 from the School of Criminal Sciences, Faculty of Law, University of Lausanne. He earned his PhD in Forensic Science in 2011, where he was awarded for excellence in his dissertation in 2012. His doctoral research focused on objective computational methods in firearms identification.
🧪 Experience
Dr. Riva began his career as a Master’s Assistant in the Firearms Group, where he served until 2011. He then joined the Institute of Legal Medicine in Bern as a ballistician and later moved to the Lausanne branch. He currently performs 3D forensic reconstructions and is responsible for teaching ballistics and firearms investigation to Bachelor’s and Master’s students. His collaborations span several European institutions including the Netherlands Forensic Institute, BKA Wiesbaden, and the State Police in Rome.
His core research areas include:
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Ballistics & Wound Ballistics
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Firearms Investigation & Identification
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3D Reconstructions in Forensic Science
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Surrogate-based modeling using ballistic gel, synthetic bone, and soap
Dr. Riva supervises 2–3 MSc theses per year and has contributed to four major international projects, one of which is currently ongoing.
🏅 Awards
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Best Dissertation Award (2012) – Forensic Science, University of Lausanne
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Nominated for the Best Researcher Award, FORENSIC SCIENTIST AWARDS 2025, for his contributions to ballistic forensics and innovations in simulation-based wound analysis.
📚 Publications
Dr. Riva has authored 27 peer-reviewed journal articles. Below are selected key publications:
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Riva, F. et al. (2021). Evaluation of wound profiles in ballistic gel using high-speed videography. Forensic Science International, Cited by 14.
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Riva, F. (2020). 3D ballistic reconstructions using open-source tools. International Journal of Legal Medicine, Cited by 20.
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Riva, F. et al. (2018). Gelatin vs. synthetic bone simulants: Comparative wound behavior. Science & Justice, Cited by 18.
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Riva, F. et al. (2015). Spent cartridge comparison through automated algorithms. Forensic Science International, Cited by 30.
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Riva, F. (2013). Ballistic impacts in forensic simulation environments. International Journal of Legal Medicine, Cited by 22.
For the complete list of publications, visit: Fabiano Riva – ResearchGate
🔚 Conclusion
With a career built at the intersection of science, education, and forensic application, Dr. Fabiano Riva is a leader in the forensic ballistics domain. His commitment to improving objectivity in firearms analysis and modeling of ballistic injuries underscores his dedication to scientific advancement. His international collaborations and academic mentorship continue to inspire and elevate forensic practice globally.
