1. European Forensic Educational Network ERASMUS+ Strategic Partnerships project 2014-2017
EFEN

2. Background to Project
Crime is increasingly becoming transnational with many crimes requiring cross-border collaboration
The European Union has recently highlighted the need for a single ‘European Forensic Science Area’ (EFSA)
Does not cover Forensic Science Education
Need for mechanism to share best practice between countries

3. Background to EFEN
In 2012, a Forensic Academic Network (FAN) was created by Avans University (NL) and Staffordshire University (UK)
FAN contained 14 partners from across the EU, which included both industry and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) working within the criminal justice system.
Six lead partners sought and were successful in obtaining funding for a 3 year project from the ERASMUS+ Strategic Partnership 2014 call

4. Partners in Project

5. Project Introduction Aims:
To develop an inclusive European network for forensic science education institutions and industry partners to facilitate collaborative research; learning and teaching; EU agendas in forensic science and links between industry and HE.
To gain an insight into the current state of forensic and crime science education in Europe
To develop a series of fit-for purpose resources incl. a validated postgraduate program, 15 credit module and online open access material in international forensic science, criminal investigations and law.
Grant agreement: €
Start date: End date:
Benefits of EFEN
Share best practice at European level
Linking HE with industry across the EU
Collaborative research
Facilitate EU funding bids
Increase staff and student mobilities

6. Physical Outputs

7. International Forensic and Crime Science Education
Currently creating an extensive survey of existing educational provision in any aspect of forensic science and criminal investigations across Europe

8. Main Intellectual outputs for Staffs – Development of a Postgraduate Program in International FS
Aim: to offer an insight into forensic science and policing practices across Europe and the rest of the world in order to create awareness of cross-border investigation protocols and provide professional development for individuals planning to work or already working in investigations that involve multiple countries

9. Postgraduate Program in International Forensic and Crime Science
Content informed by practitioner partners, Government reports and student survey
124 UG students surveyed at partner HEIs
Investigated
preferred topics, skills and activities to be included in the program
skills and knowledge they currently have including their aspirations of working in an international setting
72.6% would like to work at an international level within the criminal justice system
85.5% stated that they would need more specific skills
88% believe that having international FS knowledge/skills would make them more employable
75% of the students indicated that they would be interested in studying for the postgraduate International Forensic and Crime Science program

10. Proposed Modules
International Crime Scene Management and Policing Investigations
International and European (Forensic Criminal) Law
International Forensic Examinations
Practical Based Module including assessments of modules 1, 2 and 3

11. Thank you