4th DNA Forensic Symposium: Challenges and future directions in Africa

The 4th Forensic DNA Symposium in Africa underscored the critical role of regional collaboration in advancing forensic sciences, with a particular focus on forensic DNA examinations, databases, and humanitarian initiatives. The symposium aimed to assess the current forensic DNA capabilities across A...

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Main Authors: J.H. Smith, V. Lynch, A.O. Amankwaa, B. Budowle, S.A. Fonseca, S.K. Shako, I. Molefe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-01-01
Series:Forensic Science International: Synergy
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589871X24001025
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author J.H. Smith
V. Lynch
A.O. Amankwaa
B. Budowle
S.A. Fonseca
S.K. Shako
I. Molefe
author_facet J.H. Smith
V. Lynch
A.O. Amankwaa
B. Budowle
S.A. Fonseca
S.K. Shako
I. Molefe
author_sort J.H. Smith
collection DOAJ
description The 4th Forensic DNA Symposium in Africa underscored the critical role of regional collaboration in advancing forensic sciences, with a particular focus on forensic DNA examinations, databases, and humanitarian initiatives. The symposium aimed to assess the current forensic DNA capabilities across African countries and develop strategies to expand and better utilize DNA platforms. Key findings from the symposium highlight the necessity for enhanced cooperation among African nations to build robust forensic DNA databases and improve data-sharing mechanisms. The symposium also identified significant gaps in current capabilities and the need to develop legal frameworks, infrastructure, and expertise to support forensic initiatives. Moving forward, these findings suggest a strategic focus on capacity building, establishing standardized procedures, and implementing sustainable forensic practices across the continent. Champions were nominated by attending delegates to lead their respective countries in the implementation of these strategies, marking a critical step towards strengthening forensic science in Africa and addressing the pressing challenges related to crime and humanitarian efforts.
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series Forensic Science International: Synergy
spelling doaj-art-d37630ad08204353987d0bd602e646db2025-08-20T02:35:40ZengElsevierForensic Science International: Synergy2589-871X2024-01-01910055510.1016/j.fsisyn.2024.1005554th DNA Forensic Symposium: Challenges and future directions in AfricaJ.H. Smith0V. Lynch1A.O. Amankwaa2B. Budowle3S.A. Fonseca4S.K. Shako5I. Molefe6Forensic Services, South African Police Service/ University of South Africa. Corresponding author, 270 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Corresponding author.DNAforAfrica, City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South AfricaUniversity Quality Lead (CSFS Accreditation), Department of Applied Sciences, UKDepartment of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland/ Forensic Science Institute, Radford University, Radford, VA, 24013, USAAfrican Centre for Medicolegal Systems, Missing Persons Global Response, International Committee of the Red Cross, 202 East Avenue Sunnyside, Pretoria, South AfricaAdvisor to Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, KenyaUniversity of Cape Town, South AfricaThe 4th Forensic DNA Symposium in Africa underscored the critical role of regional collaboration in advancing forensic sciences, with a particular focus on forensic DNA examinations, databases, and humanitarian initiatives. The symposium aimed to assess the current forensic DNA capabilities across African countries and develop strategies to expand and better utilize DNA platforms. Key findings from the symposium highlight the necessity for enhanced cooperation among African nations to build robust forensic DNA databases and improve data-sharing mechanisms. The symposium also identified significant gaps in current capabilities and the need to develop legal frameworks, infrastructure, and expertise to support forensic initiatives. Moving forward, these findings suggest a strategic focus on capacity building, establishing standardized procedures, and implementing sustainable forensic practices across the continent. Champions were nominated by attending delegates to lead their respective countries in the implementation of these strategies, marking a critical step towards strengthening forensic science in Africa and addressing the pressing challenges related to crime and humanitarian efforts.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589871X24001025DNA databasesMissing personsUnidentified human remainsGender violenceFemicideSexual offences
spellingShingle J.H. Smith
V. Lynch
A.O. Amankwaa
B. Budowle
S.A. Fonseca
S.K. Shako
I. Molefe
4th DNA Forensic Symposium: Challenges and future directions in Africa
Forensic Science International: Synergy
DNA databases
Missing persons
Unidentified human remains
Gender violence
Femicide
Sexual offences
title 4th DNA Forensic Symposium: Challenges and future directions in Africa
title_full 4th DNA Forensic Symposium: Challenges and future directions in Africa
title_fullStr 4th DNA Forensic Symposium: Challenges and future directions in Africa
title_full_unstemmed 4th DNA Forensic Symposium: Challenges and future directions in Africa
title_short 4th DNA Forensic Symposium: Challenges and future directions in Africa
title_sort 4th dna forensic symposium challenges and future directions in africa
topic DNA databases
Missing persons
Unidentified human remains
Gender violence
Femicide
Sexual offences
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589871X24001025
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