Linda Geddes
New Scientist
The truth about DNA
DNA is considered the gold standard in forensic science; and recent reports highlighting some of the failings in other forensic disciplines, such as fingerprints and bite-mark analysis, have only confirmed DNA analysis as the way forensic science should be practised.
Mock trials show that jurors are more likely to convict when presented with DNA evidence than with other kinds of evidence. And DNA profiling is generally viewed as objective, reliable and scientific. But is it infallible? And if not, could the growing reliance on DNA analysis trigger the same sort of miscarriages of justice that have clouded the reputations of other forensic disciplines?
Linda Geddes has investigated whether the interpretation of DNA profiles is truly objective, or whether subjectivity and bias could be an issue in certain cases. Although the potential for subjectivity in DNA analysis has been raised by defence lawyers and several prominent academics in recent years, this is the first attempt to actually quantify it in any formal way.
By demonstrating that DNA interpretation is subjective, she has shown that the difference between prison and freedom could rest on the opinions of a single individual. Her investigation has profound implications for criminal justice worldwide.
The Shortlist
PRIVATE EYE is delighted to announce the six shortlisted entries for the 2026 Paul Foot Award for Investigative and Campaigning Journalism.
The award recognises journalism carried out in the spirit of the late Paul Foot, combining intrepid investigative skills, dogged campaigning and a deep commitment to championing fairness and exposing wrongdoing.
Pádraig Reidy, chair of the judges, said: "Selecting just six stories to make the shortlist was tougher than ever this year, with such quality and range among the entries. But hard-argued choices for the Paul Foot Award judges means good news for everyone else: spirited, driven reporters are at work all over the country, campaigning and investigating in order to right wrongs."
The judging panel included last year’s winners Patrick Butler and Josh Halliday of the Guardian, along with Samira Ahmed, Matt Foot, Janine Gibson, Francis Wheen, Helen Lewis, Julia Langdon and Sir Simon Jenkins.
The winner of the annual prize, worth £8,000, will be announced on 1 June.
Lindsay Bruce
The Press and Journal
Trapped by RAAC Campaign
Aberdeen’s Press and Journal led a relentless fight for justice for homeowners facing financial ruin after their houses were found to be unsafe due to the use of RAAC (aerated concrete) in their construction. The campaign, driven by reporter Bruce, eventually secured a £4.3m package for residents in one of the poorest parts of the city.
Adam Bychawski
Big Issue/The Lead
How the UK fails victims of miscarriages of justice
Bychawski’s reporting revealed how a 2014 legal change led to many people who were wrongly convicted and imprisoned, often for years, being denied compensation for their ordeal.
Joe Duggan
i paper
Silicosis scandal of killer kitchen worktops
Duggan told the story of workers who have suffered and even died of silicosis after cutting quartz kitchen worktops without sufficient protection. The reporting has been followed by a criminal investigation into one death and the tabling of a bill outlawing unsafe quartz cutting.
Peter Geoghegan & Khadija Sharife
Democracy for Sale
How Labour Together hired a PR firm to target journalists
The Democracy for Sale newsletter uncovered how campaign group Labour Together had hired a PR firm to build dossiers on reputable journalists with the intent to discredit them. The investigation led to the resignation of former Labour Together chief Josh Simons from his post as parliamentary secretary in the Cabinet Office.
Chloe Hadjimatheou
The Observer
The real Salt Path investigation
Hadjimatheou’s investigation into the story behind the publishing sensation The Salt Path uncovered a trail of deceit, questionable claims and dubious medical diagnosis at odds with the inspiring story of triumph over adversity portrayed in the bestselling books and film.
Daniel Timms, Mollie Simpson, Dan Hayes, Jack Walton, Abi Whistance
Sheffield Tribune
Andrew Milne: the litigious bully who demanded five-figure sums from homeowners
The Tribune newsletter investigated allegations that London-based solicitor Andrew Milne used leasehold loopholes to extract sums of £25,000 upwards from Yorkshire homeowners. Milne has subsequently been arrested as part of a criminal investigation.
Queries
Any queries should be directed to Anna Zanetti at Midas PR.
Tel: 0758 312 7515
Email: Anna.Zanetti@midas-group.com
