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.
#MyVoiceForJustice 2025
This year, one nominee for our Annual Award
stood out with an overwhelming number of votes.
Congratulations to Dr. Kamal Abubaker
It was a close race, with a record number of votes received and every nominee recognised as a leader and voice for change in their community. It’s a privilege to have you as our Forensic Leaders for Africa
SEE OUR 2025 RECOGNISED CHANGEMAKERS
The DNA Diplomat and #MVFJ 2025 Winner!
Dr Kamal Abubaker
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.
The Dental Evidence Expert
Dr Donna Nyamunga
Forensic odontologist in Kenya’s Ministry of Health (Division of Forensic & Pathology Services) and a pioneer of the field locally. She has contributed to identifications after the Garissa University attack (2015), DusitD2 (2019) and Shakahola (2023), and served on Kenya’s DVI team after Ethiopian Airlines ET302 (2019). A member of the African Society of Forensic Medicine, she publishes on dental age estimation and advances compassionate, evidence-based practice.
The Forensic Pathology Trailblazer
Prof. Lorna Martin
Clinical Department Head, Forensic Pathology Service (Western Cape Government Health & Wellness) and senior academic at UCT. The first woman, and youngest, Head of Forensic Pathology in South Africa, Prof. Martin has 40+ peer-reviewed papers and helped shape national and WHO guidance on medico-legal care for rape survivors. She leads Child Death Review teams and drove development of the Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute (OFPI).
The Forensic Magician
Prof. Ryan Blumenthal
Senior specialist forensic pathologist and Associate Professor, University of Pretoria. Prof. Blumenthal publishes on lightning, suicide and trauma pathology, contributes to national/international SOPs & guidelines, and is a leading science communicator, author of the best-seller Autopsy and host of the Lightning Pathologist series. His work advances forensic pathology for community safety.
The People's Geneticist
Prof. Marion Mutugi
Prof. Marion Mutugi is a Kenyan geneticist and bioethicist whose leadership bridges science, governance, and public service. An Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS), she has served as KNCHR Commissioner, founding VC of AMREF International University, DVC (PRD) at the University of Kabianga, and Director of IRTOMID at JKUAT. She serves on boards/advisories including NIHR (UK), Kenya Accreditation Service, MAWAZO, NSSF, Machakos University, the Kenya Board of Mental Health, and WAKIBA. A certified ISO auditor, educator, and widely published scholar, she champions ethical, people-centred science that protects the vulnerable and strengthens institutions.
Dr DNA
Dr Innocent Makasa
Acting State Forensic Analyst: Quality Assurance at Zambia’s National Forensic Science & Biometrics Department. Dr Makasa led establishment of the country’s first Forensic Biology Laboratory, supported the National Forensic Act and regulator setup, drafted regulations, secured DNA lab equipment funding, and initiated allele frequency databases (autosomal, Y- and X-STRs). A committed trainer and researcher, he champions rigorous crime scene management and evidence-based policing.