Forensic Science in the Service of Health, Law and Education

Terrorism, trafficking of illicit drugs, precursor chemicals and counterfeit medicines as well as illegal dumping of toxic wastes are among the crimes that happen on a global scale. They are very difficult to control and affect the livelihood of millions of people and the ecosystem too. Criminals are often ahead in using new technologies by unscrupulously taking advantage of opportunities of globalization. That is why countries are committed to equip their legal systems with appropriate investigative structures and capabilities that facilitate law and order. While it is ultimately the judges, who will pass a judgment by carefully pondering evidence and testimony, providing compelling scientifically sound evidence is arguably the single most important factor in any criminal investigation. The application of scientific knowledge and expertise is thus an essential tool of any justice system to convict the guilty or to exonerate the innocent. Forensic sciences provide a broad and high quality spectrum of relevant sciences to answer questions of interest to a legal system. Not all the countries have the financial means though to keep abreast of this development. This is particularly true for poorer countries such as Tanzania. Forensic sciences are therefore still in their infancy in Tanzania. Quality of training and research in forensic sciences need to be improved, and thus the growing interest by Tanzania`s public authorities and academics to promote forensic sciences in courses of studies.
In a collaborative approach among the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), the Government Chemist Laboratory Agency (GCLA), the Tanzanian Police Force (TPF) and a scientist from the University of Bern and with financial support by the Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries (KfPE) and the Swiss Cooperation Office in Tanzania a conference on forensic sciences was organized in Dar es Salaam on 2nd to 3rd February 2010. The aim of the conference was to establish a dialogue among the major stakeholders in Tanzania. This was achieved by scientific contributions by internationally renowned experts in the field of forensic chemistry and toxicology and by a one day workshop for on-site and rapid testing for alcohol and drug abuse. The conference was the first of its kind in East Africa with 115 participants from Tanzania as well as the neighboring countries. As a result of the conference a Tanzanian Society of Forensic Sciences (TSFS) was founded. TSFS is believed to become an important advisory body to the Tanzanian government in all aspects of forensic sciences. Additionally, TSFS will provide a promising platform for Tanzanian legislators, educators and scientists in that it will link its members with other forensic associations for training and continuous educations. More information regarding conference on forensic sciences in the service of health, law and education is available under www.fscpts.net and www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/tanzania/.
 
 
Contact:
Dr. Werner Bernhard
Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter
Universität Bern
Medizinische Fakultät Institut für Rechtsmediz
Bühlstrasse 20
CH-3012 Bern
Tel. +41 (0)31 631 84 27
Fax +41 (0)31 631 85 80
bernhard@irm.unibe.ch