DNA for Africa

19/03/2026

Not just meeting. A movement.
The is where intent turns into ex*****on.

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10/03/2026

Student & Early-Career Researchers | AFF2026

The 6th African Forensic Forum is proud to showcase emerging voices in forensic science. Join us for presentations from student and early-career researchers exploring innovative work shaping the future of forensic practice across Africa.

Featuring:

🔹 Ms Tumisang T. Mbedzi – Mass Fatality Incidents, Conflict and Migration: the value of scarification and tribal markings in forensic casework
🔹 Mr Michael Menear – Digital PCR: A Novel Approach to Body Fluid Identification
🔹 Ms Beatrice Phiri – Forensic DNA Analysis and the Processing of Sexual Assault Cases in Zambia

Due to overwhelming interest, in-person attendance is now fully subscribed, but free online participation remains available.

📲 Register via the link in bio to receive your direct access link to the online sessions.

📅 18–19 March 2026
📍 Cape Town

JusticeThroughScience

10/03/2026

Across two days, the 6th African Forensic Forum brings together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners to explore the future of forensic science in Africa.

🔬 Day 1 highlights innovative research from student and early-career forensic scientists, presenting new work on forensic DNA technologies, human identification, wildlife crime investigations, and sexual offence casework.

⚖️ Day 2 focuses on forensic frameworks, human identification systems, investigative technologies, and applied forensic practice, with expert presentations, panels, and forward-looking discussions shaping the next generation of forensic science.

Due to overwhelming interest, in-person attendance is now fully subscribed, but free online participation for both days remains available.

📲 Register via the link in bio to receive your direct access link to the online sessions.

📅 18–19 March 2026
📍 Cape Town

10/03/2026

Meet the Hosts | AFF2026

We are proud to introduce the hosts of the 6th African Forensic Forum:

🔹 Dr Vanessa Lynch – Regional Director, DNAforAfrica
🔹 A/Prof Laura Heathfield – Head of the Biomedical Forensic Science Unit, University of Cape Town
🔹 Adv. Vaughn Rossouw – Legal Advisor, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Together they bring expertise spanning forensic science, policy, human identification, and international humanitarian law, guiding two days of discussion on the future of forensic science across Africa.

Due to overwhelming interest, in-person attendance is now fully subscribed, but free online participation remains available.

📲 Register via the link in bio to receive your direct access link to the online sessions.

📅 18–19 March 2026
📍 Cape Town

09/12/2025

Africa’s forensic community is coming together in Cape Town in 2026.

📍 Africa Forensic Forum (AFF 2026)
📅 18–20 March 2026
🏛️ Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute (OFPI), Cape Town, South Africa

Hosted by DNAforAfrica, the University of Cape Town, and the ICRC, AFF 2026 coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Forensic Pathology Service in the Western Cape.

Over three days, this hybrid event (with limited in-person attendance) brings together:
• Researchers and scientists
• Forensic pathologists and medico-legal practitioners
• Technologists and innovators
• Policy makers and mortuary managers
• Students and emerging forensic professionals

The programme will include presentations and workshops on:
• Forensic pathology and medico-legal death investigations
• Student-led research
• Human identification and DNA analysis
• Forensic policy and governance
• Emerging challenges and success stories from across Africa

Call for Abstracts
Submissions are open for oral and poster presentations in forensic research, case reports, and practice insights.
Important information
– No funding is available for speakers or attendees; all participation costs are the responsibility of the individual.
– Programme details and registration updates will be released soon.
– Link in bio for all info.

07/11/2025

31/10/2025

Congratulations to Dr Kamal Abubaker
The DNA Diplomat and 2025 Winner!
Warm congratulations to Dr Kamal Abubaker, this year’s My Voice for Justice (MVFJ) 2025 winner. As President of GASIMP and Director at the Libyan Biotechnology Research Centre (Misurata), Dr Abubaker exemplifies what it means to lead with both science and humanity. His pioneering work in national human identification, including the post-flood response to the human tragedy that occurred in Derna (2023), has brought dignity to victims and hope to countless families. By integrating DNA and forensic anthropology to recover identities in hard-to-reach areas, he continues to strengthen ethical, collaborative capacity across Libya and the wider region. A true “DNA Diplomat,” Dr Abubaker reminds us that forensic science is not only about data, but about restoring humanity where it’s needed most.

17/10/2025

Last week, our regional director Dr Vanessa Lynch visited in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands together with Ret. Lt. Col. Sharlene Otto, where they met founder and dear friend Dr Carolyn “Coo” Hancock.

Angels Care has grown from a small crisis centre for children into a full ecosystem of healing, with a safe house, community hall, preschool, and even a coffee shop that could rival any Cape Town barista! ☕

Sharlene led a powerful session with the in-house forensic nurse team on presenting forensic evidence in court: a vital bridge between science and justice.
And yes, Dr ViVi brought her own magic, reading The Adventures of Prof. Frite .family to the children, each leaving with their very own little Frite in hand.

It was a day that captured what Angels Care stands for: a community where compassion and commitment meet accountability, bringing those who are vulnerable a step closer to safety, dignity, and healing.

Read more in this week’s Forensic Fridays Ed. 76 link in bio.

03/10/2025

This week in Lusaka, I had the privilege of working with the Zambian drafting team on their proposed DNA Bill. The reforms they’re developing to establish, maintain, and regulate a DNA database include some first-of-its-kind innovations in the region and can’t wait to see how they’re received by stakeholders.

Always a joy to be back in beautiful Zambia, where the kindness and generosity of the people shine everywhere you go.

Even the traffic delays are made sweeter by the energy of the street traders , from fresh fruit sellers to the ever-familiar Aunty Popo turning every ride home into an experience that always leaves me smiling.

02/09/2025

Missed the live event? You can now watch Dr Sarah Forbes-Robertson in conversation with Dr Vanessa Lynch as they flip the script on DNA, justice and the future of forensic science. Watch here: Life Will Find a Way - Flipping the Script on the Panopticon youtu.be/sSqxfIj3qx8?si… [link in bio]