Thomas Krämer
Professor Dr.
Head of Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology , Zurich Instiute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland
About
Thomas Kraemer is Professor for Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Medical Faculty of the University of Zurich. He is Deputy Director of the Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine and head of the Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology . He has its main research focus on development and validation of new bioanalytical methods (e.g. new screening strategies using novel MSall techniques e.g. SWATH acquisition); high-resolution MS; MALDI-MSI), metabolism studies, interaction studies, postmortem toxicology, elucidation of incorporation mechanisms of xenobiotics in alternative matrices such as hair or nails and use of metabolomics and proteomics in forensics (e.g. for sleepiness markers and New Psychoactive Substances). The use of artificial intelligence (AI) including Machine Learning and Deep Learning approaches in forensic toxicology complete his field of expertise.
Needle spiking – A topic for the toxicologist?
Needle spiking - The fear of being poked with a needle by strangers in clubs or at parties - and thus being given (knockout) drugs. At the latest since the Zurich Street Parade, the phenomenon has also arrived in Switzerland. Scientific studies are practically non-existent. Is it even possible to administer effective amounts of a pharmacologically active substance (e.g. knockout drugs) with these tiny punctures? This can certainly be questioned. The substances administered would have to be extremely potent and thus difficult to obtain. Why choose this method of application when it is much easier to administer knockout drugs in a drink? The matter will be discussed in the lecture from the point of view of an experienced toxicologist.
