An indispensable bridge: from scientific evidence to legal evidence in Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences.

I have just returned from an intense three-day event in Modena, the setting for the 4th SIMLA Group Conference, entitled "FROM SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE TO LEGAL EVIDENCE IN FORENSIC MEDICINE AND FORENSIC SCIENCE." It was an extraordinarily important event, successfully building a solid bridge between the rigors of scientific research and the practical needs of the judicial system.

As a medical examiner and, on this occasion, a speaker, I had the privilege of actively participating in a debate that touched the heart of our profession: how to translate objective data and the conclusions of our analyses into valid and understandable evidence in courtrooms.

The challenge of scientific evidence in the legal field
The first sessions of the conference, chaired by distinguished figures such as Professor Francesco Introna and Professor Rossana Cecchi, addressed precisely this challenge. We heard illuminating presentations, such as that of Professor Donatella Curtotti, who masterfully outlined the history of scientific evidence, up to its current and future frontiers. Attorney Bartolomeo Romano and Dr. Alberto Cisterna then explored the specifics of scientific evidence in criminal and civil proceedings, respectively, highlighting the complexities and opportunities it offers. The ensuing discussion underscored the urgency of an increasingly close and fruitful dialogue between scientists and jurists.

The judicial autopsy: Our field of investigation
One of the most significant moments for my discipline was undoubtedly the session dedicated to forensic autopsy and complementary investigations. This is where science directly meets the need to answer crucial questions posed by justice. The presentations ranged from advanced imaging techniques (postmortem CT, MRI, micro-CT) as essential tools for multidisciplinary investigations to in-depth analyses of forensic cardiac diagnostics, with a focus on cardiomyopathies and myocarditis. I personally had the honor of contributing to the discussion, sharing my experience in the application of these innovative methodologies, which are revolutionizing the way we address sudden and complex deaths.

We discussed the importance of a systematic and standardized approach to ensure the reproducibility and validity of our findings. Speakers such as Professor Giulia Ottaviani and Professor Carlo Moreschi presented case studies and key guidelines for the evaluation of cardiovascular diseases, which are often unexpected causes of death, especially in young people.

Beyond Death: Entomology, Toxicology, and New Frontiers
The conference then broadened its scope to include complementary but equally vital fields. Forensic entomology, with its contributions to determining time of death, and toxicology, an indispensable tool for identifying substances and poisons, were the subject of in-depth studies that highlighted their growing sophistication. The session on assessing personal injury, crucial in civil and insurance matters, demonstrated how scientific evidence must be translated into clear and shared evaluation criteria.

Particularly stimulating were discussions on new frontiers, such as space forensics and the application of artificial intelligence. Although still in their infancy, these areas foreshadow future scenarios in which our discipline will push far beyond its current boundaries.

A future of collaboration and rigor
The Modena conference reiterated a fundamental concept: the success of forensic investigations and scientific evidence in trials depends on a constant synergy between the various skills. We, forensic doctors and scientists, are the "translators" of science for the legal world, and our responsibility is twofold: to ensure the utmost scientific rigor in our investigations and, at the same time, to present the results clearly and unequivocally.

I sincerely thank the SIMLA organizers for providing such a valuable opportunity for discussion and learning. The interactions with nationally and internationally renowned colleagues, young researchers, and all the participants have enriched my professional and personal experience.

The road to an increasingly "scientific" justice system is still long, but events like this demonstrate that we are on the right path, ready to meet future challenges with competence, ethics, and dedication.