Research Analyst EFSAS granted membership to the British Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
The INTREPID Forensics Programme, which aimed to provide ten funded PhD positions for innovative research focusing on areas applicable to the forensic sciences, concluded with a conference in Leicester, entitled ‘Innovation through Collaboration’ to reflect the ethos and achievements of the project. One of the major purposes of the event was to increase understanding about the interdisciplinarity of the field and the potential of forensic science, particularly in the investigation of terrorist incidents and mass disasters, through the obtainment of DNA and fingerprints from utilised improvised explosive devices (IEDs). During the conference, it was further discussed how during an investigation, identifying components of the explosive aids in the crime scene reconstruction, and in the case of terrorism, could also provide inside information about the terrorist group responsible for the attack, which would help law enforcement authorities to subsequently apprehend them.
Mr. Alexander Smyth and Ms. Yoana Barakova
The conference was organised in conjunction with The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, which is internationally recognised as one of the most well-respected and outstanding professional bodies for forensic practice. The aims of the Society are to promote and develop regulation in forensic science and practice; to provide opportunities for education, training and development for forensic practitioners; and to support and encourage research and development in the forensic sciences.
Mr. Marwan El Khoury and Ms. Yoana Barakova
During the INTREPID Forensics Conference, Ms. Yoana Barakova (Research Analyst EFSAS), had the opportunity to discuss the latest ground-breaking technologies used in the investigation of terrorist incidents and mass disasters with professionals from the field. Mr. Alexander Smyth deliberated upon his project, the major focus of which was on fingerprints visualisation from post-blast IED fragments and bomb debris. His research focused on the finger-mark retrieval from post-blast bomb scenes and its potential in identifying not only the perpetrator, but also the potential network of all those involved in the implementation of the attack. A wide held believe is that fingerprints cannot survive such extreme conditions, yet his research addressed this, having worked together with the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the US Law Enforcement. Mr. Marwan El Khoury further discussed the recovery of DNA from surfaces subjected to environmental extremes. His research explored the limits at which DNA deposits can still give reliable evidential information after being subjected to extreme conditions, including high temperatures associated with explosive devices.
Based her specialisation in research in the field of Terrorism and contribution during the Conference, Ms. Yoana Barakova, was granted membership to the British Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
