New forensic science institute

The University of Leicester in the UK has opened the Alec Jeffreys Forensic Science Institute. Named after Sir Alec Jeffreys, who pioneered the technique of DNA fingerprinting at the university, the new institute is a multi-disciplinary centre that aims to bridge the gap between academic research and forensic practice by supporting forensic research and teaching. It will also help police forces with some of the requests previously handled by the former Forensic Science Service.

'This is a very exciting new initiative, and I am so proud to have it named after me,' says Sir Alec. 'The provision of forensic science in the UK has undergone major and potentially damaging changes in recent years, so this institute has real potential to provide much-needed breadth and depth of expertise, especially in complex casework, as well as a voice for the proper funding of forensic science research in the UK.'

(Photo of Sir Alec Jeffreys at the launch of the institute courtesy of the University of Leicester.)