Aims and objectives

The ENFSI Expert DNA Working Group supports the aims and objectives of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) in the area of DNA casework analysis.

The ENFSI DNA Working Group provides a forum for the validation, introduction and improvement of DNA analysis in casework. It considers all aspects of DNA case analysis and case reporting. Focusing on casework requirements, the group aims to:

  • Promote quality management systems and the development of best practices laid down in manuals (BPMs) and guidelines.
  • Develop uniform guidelines which members can conform to and achieve.
  • Exchange information and expertise.
  • Collaborate with regard to the reporting and interpretation of DNA evidence and develop, improve the interpretation of DNA analyses.
  • Promote and collaborate with research activities amongst members and together with industry and academic partners.
  • Support colleagues by providing education and training.
  • Assess the need and create pan-European intelligence/knowledge databases.
  • Implement and disseminate newly developed methods.
  • Support the organization of collaborative exercises in all aspects of forensic DNA casework, aiming to harmonize procedures within European laboratories.

The objectives of the ENFSI Expert DNA Working Group are to:

  • bring together recognized (i.e. ISO 17025/IEC accredited organizations in accordance with Council Framework Decision 2009/905/JHA) organizations actively in the field of forensic DNA for the purpose of exchanging and disseminating information on forensic applications.
  • discuss, share and compare forensic DNA analytical methods, how to assess and report results, as well as protocols and research.
  • establish quality assurance guidelines and quality controls for European forensic DNA analysis and reporting.
  • co-operate with other recognized national and international organizations in developing European standards for forensic DNA analyses and reporting.
  • serve as a mechanism for reviewing and revising European guidelines and BPMs for forensic DNA analyses and reporting.
  • disseminate to the European forensic DNA community ENFSI guidelines and BPMs, forensic research results and any other work of benefit to the European forensic DNA community.

Structure

The DNA working group comprises members from over fifty organisations and 35 European countries. As well as members and associate members, the working group has a Chairperson, Secretary and Steering Committee. Meetings are held bi-annually at which, in addition to plenary sessions designed to update members and promote discussion around topics of interest, sub group workshops are run to allow more in depth focus on specific subjects. The subgroups cover areas such as DNA analysis and interpretation, quality assurance and quality control, databases, automation and expert systems and forensic biology.

Documents

You can find the EWG’s Best Practice Manuals and Guidelines here in the Documents-Section.

Contact

  • Chairperson: Alexander Kneppers, NFI, The Hagues, Netherlands, s.kneppers@nfi.nl
  • Secretary: Astrid Quak, NFI, The Hagues, Netherlands, a.quak@nfi.nl
  • Web Editor: Fabrice Noël, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Chaussée de Vilvorde 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium, fabrice.noel@just.fgov.be

Or send an email by using the ENFSI contact form  or send an e-mail to DNA@enfsi.eu .