[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Waye1_opt.jpg” caption=”John Waye”]CSI Crime Scene Investigation might be one of the hottest shows on television, but it certainly doesn't rate very highly with John Waye , professor of pathology and molecular medicine .

Recognized as an expert in DNA profiling, Waye has served as a consultant or expert witness in hundreds of cases across Canada, including high profile murder cases such as Guy Paul Morin and Allan Legere.

Waye will be the first speaker in the new season of the Science in the City lecture series, public lectures sponsored jointly by McMaster and the Hamilton Spectator .

“There's not much that's real about shows like CSI. The answers just don't come that quickly or that easily,” says Waye, noting that DNA testing in Canada usually takes at least 10 weeks. If the case is high profile, involving a murderer and/or sex offender, than public safety is at risk and the case is given priority.

A former scientist for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (1988-1990), Waye was instrumental in developing and implementing the RCMP forensic DNA program. In his Science in the City lecture, DNA: From Crime Scene to Courtroom, Waye will trace the short history of forensic DNA profiling and the National DNA Data Bank, established in 2000 and maintained by the RCMP. He will also highlight the importance of DNA evidence in criminal investigations using actual forensic cases.

The lecture takes place tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 16) at the Hamilton Spectator Auditorium, which is located in the Hamilton Spectator building, 44 Frid Street in Hamilton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7 p.m. The lecture is free and all are welcome. To reserve your seat, e-mail ScienceintheCity.