Standardization of research in the field of forensic genetics – the current state in the world and introduction to the guidelines in Poland with reference to the work of the Expert Team for Standards and Assessment in Forensic Genetics of the Polish Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG-PL)

Abstract

The beginnings of forensic genetics, one of the most rapidly growing fields of research, can be traced to Great Britain in 1985. It appeared in Poland in 1989. It uses the most advanced technologies, including the investigation of the variability of the human genome through mass parallel sequencing, which help, among other things, to analyze features of human appearance and origin. These technologies coexist with well standardized techniques of multiplex short tandem repeat analysis based on capillary electrophoresis, which allows to obtain a unique individual profile at a minimal cost. Legislation, research standards and guidelines developed by opinion-forming institutions and expert teams play a key role in the field of genetic forensic examinations. This study presents the current normative state of this area. It precedes the presentation of guidelines concerning the main aspects of research in the field of forensic genetics in Poland, prepared by a team of experts gathered within the Polish Speaking Working Group of the International Forensic Genetics Society and the Forensic Genetics Committee of the Polish Society of Forensic Medicine and Criminology.

Keywords

• forensic genetics
• standardization
• guidelines in Poland
• ISFG-PL
• Polish Speaking Working Group
• Expert Team for Standards and Assessment