Edition 1, 20 January 2023 |
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I am so excited to kick off this year with our weekly newsletter, coined FORENSIC FRIDAYS! Our aim is to keep you up to date on happenings in the world of forensic science and its application in both the criminal justice and human rights space in Africa. This week, we are lucky enough to have our beloved Prof. Budowle write an opinion piece exclusively for DNAforAfrica about the importance of publishing your work and the impact this has on driving DNA policy in developing countries. I am also honoured to have been asked to present at the 10th ASFM Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, next month. This event is a highlight on the forensic events calendar in Africa and I had the great pleasure of meeting the delightful president of the ASFM, Dr Owum Eze, this week, who - like me - has great ambitions and a whole lot of passion for the future of forensics in Africa. In Owum's words, "Make sure Africa is in the room, when you speak of Africa" and we intend to do just that! I hope you enjoy our first edition of #ForensicFridays. Yours in forensics, Vanessa |
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THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLISHINGby Prof. Bruce Budowle |
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"There are many opportunities for scientists in developing countries to pursue their dreams and develop professionally. Publication of your ideas can bring a huge impact on your own lives and that of others who seek to make a difference." ~ Prof. Bruce Budowle We would like to encourage more publications from Africa, as these help with getting funding and support for the development of DNA infrastructure and policy in the region. We will be sharing more on the importance of publications and tips on how to submit an abstract from Prof. Bruce Budowle, who is one of the most published forensic scientists in the world. READ BRUCE'S ARTICLE |
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NEXT UP10th AFSM Conference, Rwanda |
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We are heading to the heart of Africa from 7-10 March for the 10th African Society of Forensic Medicine International Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. This event will be an incredible opportunity to further the work being done by the forensic medicine community in Africa, and focuses on harmonized evidence-based forensic science practices, including human identification, disaster response, GBV prevention and crime scene management. Dr Vanessa Lynch will be presenting along with Prof Budowle and we encourage you to join by clicking the registration button below. Supporting key events and our scientists in Africa is central to our mission and helps put the incredible work being done in Africa on the map. REGISTER HERE |
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EAST AFRICA NEWSDiploma in Mortuary Science |
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Another exciting milestone in East Africa is the launch of a 3 year diploma in Mortuary Science developed by the Medical Training College in Nairobi. Aimed at improving forensic pathology services in Kenya, this promises to be an exciting new career path for many forensic enthusiasts in the region. Applications for the March intake are now open. APPLY HERE |
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#DNA CRUSADER OF THE WEEKMs Pearl Afia Dansowaa, Forensic DNA Investigator, Ghana |
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I’ve been working with the Ghana Police Service Forensic DNA Lab for the past three years and it’s been a wonderful experience so far. One thing I find satisfying about Forensic DNA is when we work on a case and our findings help exonerate an innocent suspect from going to jail, or helps identify missing persons. One thing I will say about my work here in Ghana is that there is nothing like bribery or corruption in my field, and if there is any recourse for promoting justice in our judicial systems in Africa, it should be forensic DNA. Because DNA results can't be altered, no matter what happens. ~ Ms Pearl Afia Dansowaa READ MORE HERE |
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SPOTLIGHTHuman Trafficking |
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January is Human-Trafficking Awareness Month and we are raising awareness of the many organisations and survivors doing important work to prevent this scourge on humanity. When someone is trafficked, the first thing that is taken away is their identity, whereas DNA can never be taken away. You will always be able to identify someone through their DNA or their relatives DNA, in respect of missing persons and human remains. Listen to Vanessa highlight this issue here. DOWNLOAD: TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS 2022 REPORT |
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Together we are DNAforAfrica, and together, we are UNSTOPPABLE! |
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Follow our Journey @DNAforAFRICA | |
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