Fire investigation experts from across Europe to gather in Dundee

Published On Thu 15 Sep 2016 by Grant Hill

Fire investigators from more than 20 countries will descend upon the University of Dundee next week to take part in the 19th European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) fire and explosion investigation working group meeting.

Dozens of experts from across Europe will be taking part in the event, which will be hosted by the University’s world-renowned Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID), from Tuesday 20th-Friday 23rd September.

ENFSI is a network of 63 Forensic Science Institutes across Europe who link together to develop policy and practice across a wide range of forensic science disciplines. The organisation has a number of specific aims including the development of harmonised analytical methods for fire debris analysis and the improvement of the research base underpinning fire and/or explosion scene investigation.

Next week will be only the second time the group has met in the UK with Glasgow being the only other British host city 17 years ago. This represents a significant honour for Dundee, according to CAHID’s Professor Niamh Nic Daeid.

“The University is an associate member of the Fire and Explosion Investigation working group” she said. “We play a leading role in these areas and bring our expertise to bear on issues that, working with colleagues from across Europe, will see us bolster forensic science and improve the way that fire and explosions are investigated.

“Many of our visitors will never have been to Dundee, or indeed to Scotland, before so this is an opportunity to showcase the world-leading work we do here while collaborating for the benefit of millions of people across the continent.”

Professor Nic Daeid has been involved in the development of policy and practice in forensic science for many years and has led teams in developing protocols for professional practice in fire investigation for both the UK and Europe. Earlier this year the UK Association of Fire Investigators (UKAFI) presented Professor Nic Daeid with the Peter Ganci Award for services to fire investigation recognising her internationally leading work to reduce the number of lives lost in fires.

Dundee has recently been ranked the best in the UK for forensic science in both the Complete University Guide and Good University Guide. It is also home to the £10million Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, which is directed by Professor Nic Daeid and Professor Dame Sue Black, and which aims to shape the future of the subject and ensure it remains a vital component of the criminal justice system.

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