Glass shards, traces of paint, or barely visible particles of various materials can play a significant role in solving a crime. To ensure that such traces are properly analysed and the results are reliable, forensic experts must constantly keep pace with developments in the field of science, new technologies and increasingly sophisticated forms of crime.
The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) brings together European forensic laboratories and their experts. It facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience, the development of new methods, and a collaborative effort to find solutions to the challenges that forensic scientists face in their work.
The Slovenian National Forensic Laboratory (NFL) is also part of this European professional community. By participating in ENFSI’s expert working groups, its experts are informed of the latest advances in European forensic science and incorporate new knowledge and best practices into their daily work. In doing so, the NFL also follows the guidelines of the European Forensic Science Area 2.0 (EFSA 2.0) for the period 2023–2030, which aim to advance modern forensic science and ensure high-quality and reliable forensic results. These are important both for the work of the police and judicial authorities and for ensuring legal certainty for citizens.
Participation in European professional networks is also supported by the Internal Security Fund, under which €175,000 in EU funding has been allocated to co-finance the project Participation in various European networks, specialised networks, and Union cooperation structures and centres. The project contributes to strengthening international cooperation, the exchange of professional knowledge and experience and the further development of Slovenian forensic science.
An example of such collaboration is the 31st annual meeting of the ENFSI working group on paints, glass and markers, which took place in Wiesbaden, Germany, in September 2026, and in which the Slovenian NFL also participated. The discussion also focused on forensic examinations of 3D-printed objects and materials, as well as the investigation of evidence related to ATM attacks. Such cases demonstrate why cross-border collaboration among forensic experts is important; namely, as crime and technology are evolving, the knowledge, methods, and tools for detecting and proving criminal offences must also keep up.
For more information about the National Forensic Institute, visit the Police website.
Photo: Magnific
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