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.
#2026 CAPE TOWN
AFRICAN FORENSIC FORUM
2026 African Forensic Forum,
18-20 March 2026
OFPI, Cape Town, South Africa.
The Africa Forensic Forum (18–20 March 2026) will be hosted at the Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute in Cape Town by DNAforAfrica, the University of Cape Town, and the ICRC, and will coincide with the 20th anniversary of Forensic Pathology Service. Building on the momentum of the Forensic DNA Symposium, this hybrid event (with limited in-person attendance) brings together researchers, scientists, practitioners, technologists, innovators, policy makers, mortuary managers, and students who are shaping the future of forensic science in Africa.
Over three days, participants will engage in presentations and workshops on forensic pathology, medico-legal death investigations, student-led research, human identification, forensic policy, DNA analysis, and the emerging challenges and success stories across the continent. Programme details will follow soon. Please note that no funding is available for speakers or attendees; all participation costs are the responsibility of the individual. If you are interested in sponsoring the event or collaborating as an event partner, please email Vanessa Lynch at admin@dnaforafrica.com.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
FINANCIAL
• Shared costs
• Shared sponsorship
• Bigger collective reach
TECHNICAL
• Shared speakers & training • Pooled expertise
• One unified platform
STRATEGIC
• Stronger global branding
• Joint visibility
• Sustainable collaboration
OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM
Day 1: Forensic Pathology
• Workshops
• OFPI facility tour
Day 2: Student Forum
• Student research
presentations
Day 3: Expert Forum Key presentations
• Panel discussions
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
We are excited to announce that the call for abstract submissions for the 6th African Forensic Forum is open! We invite abstracts on forensic research, forensic case reports and insights for oral and poster presentations.
Guidelines for abstracts:
Abstract submissions must include the following information:
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Title of presentation
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Author(s) names, with surnames in bold font and the presenting author’s name underlined
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ORCID ID for every author
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Email address for corresponding author
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Institution affiliation(s) (to be linked to authors names using superscript numbering)
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Abstract to be in one paragraph, may not be more than 300 words (excluding Title, Author(s) and Institution) and must be written in English. Where appropriate, the abstract may contain the following headings: Background, methods, results, conclusion and impact
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3-5 keywords
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Indicate preference for oral or poster format (if applicable)
Deadline for abstract submissions: 16 January 2026.
