This Programme was created by taking a learner-centred approach to enable and promote the development of adult professionals. The experts have received the knowledge and skills that will allow them to address national-level challenges. Through access to an international forensic perspective, participants have gained new critical thinking abilities and conducted research projects that will have a significant impact on their current roles. Three of these projects have been published in peer-reviewed journals, representing an excellent example of research-led teaching, innovation and impact.
Dr Nunzianda Frascione, Programme Director
23 June 2021
King's Forensics continues successful collaboration with the Government of Kazakhstan
Twenty-eight Kazakh forensic experts have graduated from a King’s Forensics programme designed to help facilitate reform of Kazakhstan’s justice sector.
After completing a year-long programme, the Kazakh students have graduated with new lab management skills, specialist training and greater knowledge of regulation and governance. Training in research skills and methods has also led to three papers being published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
Since October 2016 the Forensic Biochemistry Group led by Dr Nunzianda Frascione has fostered a working relationship the Government of Kazakhstan, training forensic experts to help reform its justice sector.
The latest round of funding, which was awarded in 2018, was focused solely on the professional development of 28 Kazakh forensic experts as part of the Bolashaq International Scholarships. These prestigious scholarships are offered each year by the Government of Kazakhstan and give Kazakh nationals the opportunity to pursue further education at leading overseas universities.
During their stay in London the students received training from King’s scientists and visited forensic facilities across the UK. Each student also completed an independent research project, giving them the knowledge and skills needed to pioneer new techniques in Kazakhstan.
Marat Beketayev, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan said:
Human capital development is one of our top priorities, and we are able to facilitate this thanks to Bolashaq and King’s College London. This collaboration allows to learn and implement best international practice, to support our ongoing reforms.
Marat Beketayev, Minister of Justice: Republic of Kazakhstan
The Programme forms part of the international Forensic Capacity Strengthening Project, of which King’s College London is a collaborator. This project is delivered by a consortium of organisations from the UK and Kazakhstan, including King’s, and is part of the Justice Sector Institutional Strengthening Programme undertaken jointly by the Kazakhstan Ministry of Justice and the World Bank.
Read two of the papers published by the Kazakh forensics experts:
A review on the evolution and characteristics of post-mortem imaging techniques
The forensic investigation of vehicle–pedestrian collisions: A review
Read a previous version of this article here.
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Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science