'Please help me find a topic for my thesis!' - for those in academia mentoring postgrad. students, you would've undoubtedly heard this desperate plea, countless times! Finding a novel topic that aligns with the student's expertise is not only challenging for both student and teacher, but it is an essential part of the journey towards an excellent dissertation. That's why we were so excited to feature a self-funded PhD in Ed. 21 of #FF, which not only provided a novel and substantial topic but it came with the support of a unique team of supervisors. This PhD opportunity was a spin-off from a collaboration between the Forensic DNA Policy Board for Africa and Northumberland University and this week, we take a closer look at the Forensic DNA Policy Board for Africa and their mission in Africa! This Policy Board was first conceptualised at the 2nd FDNAS we held in Kenya last year where I approached a few like-minded individuals wanting to transform the forensic DNA landscape in Africa. Since then we have been quietly working to create a portal of open resources that we hope will grow and become a valuable forensic DNA platform for countries in Africa eager to start their journey towards a DNA regulatory framework. This approach is based on the simple idea that we do not need to reinvent the wheel - there really is no need to create something anew when so much already exists and can be adapted or adopted. Through shared best practices and a collective understanding of the African context, we can, together build on these assets and make them available to any country in Africa embarking on this critical journey. I, for one, take great pride in our Board's mission and am looking forward to helping advance this DNA policy framework for our region. I also hope that we receive even more support and input from many more of you with a similar objective. You can find more information below. This week, we also hear from the Zambian FSL who have started distributing the SAK items donated through the Global SAK Donation project, we share hot swabbing tips, a link to a cool podcast, a job opportunity and more. Happy Forensic Friday! Yours in forensics, Vanessa P.S. Don't forget to submit your nominations for the 2023 #MyVoiceforJustice award. We have already received some amazing nominees. Keep them coming! |
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LET'S WELCOME THE FORENSIC DNA POLICY BOARD FOR AFRICAA portal to access a DNA Policy Framework in Africa |
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Welcome to the Forensic DNA Policy Board for Africa! The Board's mission is to draft a comprehensive framework for DNA legislation to be adopted by more African countries seeking to develop comprehensive DNA policies that work for their specific needs. The Board's goal is to enhance the use of forensic DNA profiling in criminal justice systems and for humanitarian purposes in Africa. The Board's aim is put more countries in Africa on the DNA Policy map and guide them toward a regulatory framework to help develop their DNA . The Board's members currently comprise of experts from diverse scientific disciplines, such as ethicists, social scientists, legal scholars, and forensic science experts contribute to the Board voluntarily and honorarily. They also have the flexibility to invite new members and expert consultants on an ad hoc basis, ensuring the Board benefits from the latest perspectives and specialised knowledge to address emerging technologies, ideas, and challenges effectively.database. The reason the Board exists is because very few countries in Africa have DNA policies or legislative frameworks in place, and drafting a DNA policy should be the first step towards adopting any DNA laws - attempting to enact a law without a pre-existing policy to guide it is like putting the cart before the horse. A DNA policy provides a structured framework and guidelines for the effective implementation and enforcement of DNA laws. It outlines the objectives, procedures, and protocols for DNA collection, analysis, storage, and sharing, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to ethical standards in utilising DNA evidence for investigations and criminal justice purposes. By setting clear rules and procedures, a DNA policy enhances public trust, safeguards individual rights, and strengthens the overall effectiveness of DNA laws in combating crime and promoting justice. The Board's resources are open access and can be found here Watch this space and join the conversation! |
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LATES UPDATE: GLOBAL SAK DONATION PROJECTDistribution of SAK Items Underway in Zambia |
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The timely donation of SAK items in Zambia (pictured above and below) "On the 16th May, 2023 the Forensic DNA Laboratory (Zambia, Lusaka) was commissioned by the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Hon. Jack Mwiimbu. The commissioned DNA Laboratory is a cardinal element in the fight against SGBV and other violent crimes in the country. The Laboratory has since commenced analysing casework samples in criminal cases. However, the absence of Sexual Assault Examination kits (SAFE kits) is impacting negatively the integrity of the collected samples in SGBV. This led us to seek help from DNAforAfrica’s Global SAK (Sexual Assault Kit) Donation Project. Their donation has helped kickstart the much-needed quality evidence collection kits required to help combat sexual crimes, and it is projected to enhance sample preservation and integrity. Our prospect is that this kit will run alongside the conventional kit, and will be deployed in areas with limited facilities and qualified staff. We believe that in the fight against SGBV every effort counts, thanks to DNAforAfrica for the donation and continued support. " Innocent Makasa Technical Director Quality Assurance National Forensic Science & Biometrics Department (NFSBD) Ministry of Home Affairs & Internal Security Lusaka, Zambia |
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Wow, check this out! DNAforAfrica in collaboration with Jennifer Degner one of its key project partners, have donated to Zambia to date: |
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"Generosity and giving come from recognising that our humanity is bound up in one another." ~ by Nelson Mandela |
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NOT TO BE MISSED OPPORTUNITIESForensic Genetics Summer School & Career Opening |
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| | Check out this JOB OPPORTUNITY: ASSOCIATE CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE OFFICER This position is located in the UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF) – Global Programme on Criminal Network Disruption (GPCD) with duty station in Cape Town (South Africa), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). | | |
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| | 📣LAST CALL!
ISFG SUMMER SCHOOL 2023
This year’s virtual edition of the Summer School is an excellent opportunity for training and education with some of the most qualified experts in forensic genetics. A total of 12 subjects in Forensic Genetics will be addressed, six of which are divided into two independent sessions, consisting of a basic and an advanced approach for each topic. Some workshops still have seats available, so don’t miss this chance! Registrations close August 7, 2023. | | |
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FORENSICS FOUND: THE PODCASTBehind the Scenes with an FBI Forensic Specialist |
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If you are often on the road and like me, enjoy a podcast or two then you will enjoy the latest episode of Forensics Found, which is a deep dive into the world of a Major Incident Program Manager at the FBI and his role assisting local agencies in the resolution of their mass fatalities, unidentified decedents, and missing persons cases, showcasing the collaborative nature of human identification and criminal justice resolution. VL Listen here |
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HOT TIP FOR CSI'sCapture More than what's on the Swab! |
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When collecting swabs at a crime scene, enhance your documentation by following this smart practice: Snap a photo before, during, and after taking each swab. But here's the twist – don't stop at just the swab. Include an evidence placard in your shots! Why does this matter? Well, a photograph with both the swab and an accompanying evidence placard not only verifies the context of your collection but also reinforces the integrity of your work. This comprehensive visual documentation becomes an invaluable piece of your investigative puzzle, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and providing a clear chain of custody. | | |
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#MyVoiceForJustice AWARD 2023Help us discover the 2023 Voices of Justice - Nominate Now |
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We have already received some truly amazing nominees for this year's #MyVoiceForJustice award following our call to the forensic community to help find exceptional DNA Crusaders in Africa. Check out our previous year's nominees who were recognised for their commitment to advocating for justice and humanitarian efforts in Africa through the use of forensic DNA and help us find find this year's trailblazers by NOMINATING your #MVFJ2023 candidate HERE |
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Follow our Journey @DNAforAFRICA |
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