The main objective of the European Forensic Genetics Network of Excellence -- EUROFORGEN-NoE -- is the creation of a European Virtual Centre of Forensic Genetic Research.

Forensic genetics is a highly innovative field of applied science with a strong impact on the security of citizens. The project, funded by the SECURITY programme of the European Commission under the 7^th Framework Programme, started in January 2012 and will run for 5 years. It is coordinated by Prof. Peter Schneider of the Institute of Legal Medicine at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany.

The network includes 16 partners from 9 countries including leading groups in European forensic genetic research. It aims to create a close integration of existing collaborations as well as to establish new interactions in this highly specialized field of security. Therefore, all key players such as scientists, stakeholders and end-users (e.g. police institutions and the justice system), educational centres and scientific societies will be integrated into these activities. Furthermore, the societal dimension of applying forensic genetics in criminal investigations, potentially affecting privacy rights and minority protection, will be addressed. Finally, training and educational activities will be implemented to establish common European-wide standards for generating and interpreting genetic data related to biological evidence.

With the establishment of a long-term collaborative network, it will become possible to effectively connect all scientific groups active in the field of forensic genetics and to initiate a sustained effort covering all aspects of research within the field. If you are working in the field, and interested to contribute to our network, please contact us.