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.
Submissions are now open
The Private Eye Paul Foot Award for Investigative and Campaigning Journalism recognises the UK’s most brilliant, talented and determined journalists working in the fields of investigative and campaigning journalism today, and was set up in memory of revered journalist Paul Foot, who died in 2004.
The winner of the Private Eye Paul
Foot Award 2026 will be awarded £8,000 at an Awards Ceremony on 1st June 2026 while shortlistees will receive £1,500 per entry.
Download the Entry Form here »
Submission Criteria
Entries must be received by noon, Tuesday 17th March 2026 - submissions received after this date will not be considered.
The submission must be journalistic work published in a UK-based newspaper or magazine, including digital-only publications; broadcast content is not eligible. Eligible entries must have been first published between 5 March 2025 and 28 February 2026, inclusive. Submissions may be produced by an individual journalist, a team of journalists, or a publication, and may comprise a standalone article, a multi-part investigation, or a campaign. Journalists may submit more than one entry, provided each entry is made using a separate application form.
A maximum of two entries may be submitted per journalist or team.
How to submit a nomination
Entries must be submitted as PDFs by email only to: awards@private-eye.co.uk with the email subject The Paul Foot Award 2026.
Applications will not be considered complete until all items listed below have been received.
- An entry form (completed electronically; handwritten forms will not be accepted).
- Cover letter (maximum 2 A4 pages): This may include an overview of your investigation or campaign, for example a brief history or context, key challenges, and major milestones.
- PDF copies of submitted article(s) in the format in which they originally appeared (print or online). For multi-part investigations and campaigns, please attach each article as a separate PDF, along with a separate A4 document listing all relevant articles and their publication dates. If your campaign ran over an extended period, we recommend including only a selection of key coverage as PDF attachments, while listing the remaining articles on the A4 document.
- Please number the articles and record how many you have attached. Links will not be opened.
- For team entries: Please nominate a single person as the point of contact and list all entrants in your order of preference.
Queries
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