Development of a European Forensic Academic Network (FAN)

Transcription

1 Development of a European Forensic Academic Network (FAN) Dr Claire Gwinnett, Forensic and Crime Science Department, Staffordshire University, UK Kay Michiels LLM, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Avans Hogeschool, Breda, The Netherlands

2 Outline of Presentation Introduce background to network Describe aims of network Outline current partners Future development

3 Background to Project Staffordshire University s Forensic and Crime Science Department celebrating 11 th year Over the years have developed some international links, e.g; Netherlands Forensic Institute EDULINK project HEIs, police forces and forensic providers in Mauritius and Jamaica Avans University of Applied Sciences co-developer of network

4 Background to Project Identified potential of networks in past database work Feasibility study to identify if data generated by undergraduate and postgraduate students would be fitfor-purpose and robust enough for use in forensic databases Large scale proficiency testing scheme 8 universities undergrad students and 69 postgraduates (in Forensic Science) participated over 2.5 years Wanted to expand upon this to help facilitate the departments aims

5 Aims of Project To formalize collaborations across Europe To develop a network with Avans University of Applied Sciences to help facilitate; European funding bids Resource development Staff and student exchanges Collaborative Research

6 Aims of FAN Overall Aim: to bring together European forensic science academics, forensic science providers, criminal lawyers and companies working in the forensic science field to increase forensic science knowledge in order to improve learning and teaching and research To share knowledge and best practice in FS teaching Increase ease for student and staff exchange. To facilitate collaboration with industry across Europe To encourage collaboration in research To facilitate applications for EU funding opportunities, e.g. FP7 programme To develop resources to aid teaching and research, e.g. forensic databases, assessment ideas, teaching material To ensure the future of FAN through appropriate European funding, e.g. ERASMUS For All.

7 FAN Production Process Started early 2012 Development of initial aims/aspirations and potential funding applications, e.g. ERASMUS Life Long Learning Programme Initial draft of website under construction Generation of Letter of Intent (LoI) for potential partners Questionnaire to identify areas of interest, strengths etc

8 Questionnaire Whether currently part of a research and teaching network Institution s areas of expertise within forensic science Areas of interest for engagement and topics/areas they feel they could lead on Particular features, outcomes or aspirations for the network

9 Current European Partners Water and Air Quality The University of Pavia, Laboratory, Department of was the first to implement Environment Department of Statistics the ERASMUS Programme for foreign students (1988). 500 partner universities and research institutions throughout the world

10 Current European Partners Uppsala University Dept. Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Sweden International MSc programmes Already has exchange programmes in over 500 foreign universities in 50 countries Have comprehensive research programmes including applied research with industry

11 Current European Partners -University of Wrocław Molecular Techniques Unit, Poland -One of the biggest HEI s in Poland -Focus is on scientific research -580 Erasmus bilateral agreements with universities from all EU countries

12 Current European Partners Faculty of Sciences Department of Environmental Studies Active student exchange programmes International summer schools conferences, scientific meetings and events

13 Current European Partners Faculty of Chemistry Incl. Materials department Faculty of Chemistry Research Groups Campus of International Excellence (CIE) BKC - Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) Technology transfer

14 BaseClear DNA lab based in Leiden, The Netherlands DNA sequencing Molecular biology department, incl. cloning Development of lab equipment, e.g. genomic work benches Interested in product development Further info:

15 Other Organisations Erasmus Hogeschool Brussel, Belgium Saxion Hogeschool, Enschede, The Netherlands NHL Hogeschool Van Hall Larenstein Leeuwarden, The Netherlands Forensicon BV Leeuwarden, The Netherlands (private forensic company incl innovation in fingerprint development) University of Gent (UGent), Belgium University of Leuven (KUL), Belgium University of Ismai, Portugal University of Florida, USA (online MSc in Forensic Science) DF Labs ( Digital Investigation and Computer Forensics, France

16 Results of Questionnaire and Initial Investigations Areas of Expertise Forensic Entomology Forensic Medicine Analytical Chemistry Environmental Forensic Science Forensic Biology DNA profiling Digital Forensics Interests Funding applications Teaching resources, Staff and student exchanges, Consultancy Forensic science learning and teaching conferences, E-learning methods for forensic science Feedback and assessment for forensic science Forensic science research conferences, Collaborative research Production of a FS teaching journal

17 Future Work - Aspirations Further expansion of network Development of an online research database Identification of appropriate databases/data collections for production Development of short courses for EU students Identification of appropriate funding call to aid progression of network Organisation of a European Forensic Science teaching and Research Conference

18 Particularly interested in receiving feedback regarding; Priorities in education and research Future development and expansion How this network fits in with current agenda in UK forensic science education and provision

19 Thank you