Advanced Analytical Chemistry Applications in Forensic Evidence Analysis: From Spectroscopic Techniques to Artificial Intelligence Assist. Prof. Dr. Karrar Majeed Obaid Forensic science is increasingly relying on modern analytical chemistry techniques to identify the nature of materials associated with criminal investigations, determine their characteristics, and compare them with reference evidence. Rapid advances in analytical instruments and data-processing technologies have significantly improved analytical sensitivity and accuracy while enabling the examination of small and complex samples. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy are among the most important techniques used in forensic evidence analysis. They provide valuable information about the molecular composition of materials and can be applied to the examination of fibers, inks, paints, polymers, and certain biological evidence. Raman spectroscopy is particularly advantageous for analyzing very small quantities of samples and, in many cases, without destroying the evidence. It can also be coupled with microscopy to investigate specific areas of a sample. Mass Spectrometry (MS) plays a fundamental role in forensic analysis because of its high sensitivity and ability to identify chemical compounds. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is widely used for the analysis of drugs, toxic substances, solvents, and residues of ignitable materials. Meanwhile, Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) enables the analysis of non-volatile and thermally sensitive compounds, including pharmaceuticals, metabolites, and biological compounds. Advanced analytical techniques have also emerged, including Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (GC×GC) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). These techniques provide enhanced capabilities for separating and analyzing complex mixtures and investigating the chemical distribution on different evidence surfaces. They can be applied to the analysis of inks, paints, hair, fingerprints, trace materials, and other forensic evidence. The increasing volume of data generated by analytical instruments has highlighted the importance of Chemometrics, which uses mathematical and statistical methods to extract meaningful information from chemical data. Techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis, and multivariate algorithms can be used to differentiate samples and associate evidence based on their chemical fingerprints. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) represent an advanced direction in forensic analytical chemistry. They can be used for sample classification, recognition of spectral patterns, analysis of chromatographic data, and prediction of material identity or potential origin. AI can also be integrated with FTIR, Raman, GC-MS, and LC-MS techniques to improve the speed of data analysis and the accuracy of result interpretation. Important forensic applications of these technologies include the analysis of blood and body fluids, drugs, toxic substances, fibers, paints, glass, soil, inks, and fire residues. Combining multiple analytical techniques can provide a more comprehensive chemical fingerprint of forensic evidence and reduce the risk of relying on a single analytical indicator. Despite significant advances, forensic analytical chemistry faces several challenges, including sample complexity, limited quantities of evidence, potential contamination, and variations in measurement conditions. The use of AI also requires reliable databases, diverse training datasets, independent validation of models, and accurate assessment of error rates, particularly when analytical results may have legal significance. The future of forensic science is moving toward greater integration of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, mass spectrometry, chemometrics, and artificial intelligence. This integration is expected to contribute to the development of faster, more sensitive analytical systems capable of handling complex forensic evidence. However, human expertise, quality control, and scientific validation will remain essential to ensuring the reliability and accuracy of forensic results. Forensic Analytical Chemistry.. Advanced Techniques, More Accurate Evidence, and Artificial Intelligence Shaping the Future of Forensic Analysis.