
OUR MISSION EXPLAINED IN 5 STEPS
Our goal is to help find solution based action in the fight against crime.
Through our experienced forensic DNA experts and key opinion leaders, we offer the data and policy information needed to make DNA database strategy decisions in the following ways:
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.

DNAforAFRICA
We inform, work and connect with forensic experts, change advocates and policy makers both globally and locally to fight crime and assist with humanitarian efforts with solution-based action.
Dr Vanessa Lynch
FORENSIC DNA EXPERT
Vanessa Lynch is the Regional Director of DNAforAfrica, and a Senior Government Affairs Consultant, based in South Africa. Vanessa has extensive experience leading nationwide policy initiatives and working with governments to advance dynamic DNA legislative and policy changes.
Vanessa founded The DNA Project in 2005, and in 2021 launched @DNAforAfrica, dedicated to the use of advocacy outreach and forensic expertise to aid the development of DNA databases and casework programs throughout Africa.
Vanessa is regarded as a key opinion leader in the field of Forensic DNA policy and has been lauded for her leadership in driving the adoption of legislation to administer South Africa’s National Foremsic DNA Database, the first of its kind on the African continent. Serving as Deputy Chair of the National Forensic Oversight and Ethics Board (SA), she monitored the implementation of the provisions of the DNA Act in its first five years and now serves on the DNA Forensic DNA Policy Board for Africa as well as the Forensic Databasing Advisory Board (FDAB) for the Internatioanl Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG).
Vanessa obtained her Law degree (LLB) at the University of Cape Town in and completed her Doctorate of Laws (LLD) at the University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town.


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