The Board meeting in Wiesbaden from 12th to 13th September involved several important and challenging topics. Main focus was in the area of the implementation of the “Council Conclusions and Action Plan on the way forward in view of the creation of a European Forensic Science Area”. The EFSA 2020 Task Force set up by the ENFSI Board last year presented an action plan describing activities to achieve the objectives of the European Council Conclusions. This action plan was discussed extensively which led to the decision to enlarge the Task Force by an additional member to tackle the immense work.

In this context the Board reviewed the outcome of the meeting with a Europol delegation regarding the establishment of European forensic databases to be hosted by Europol. Further investigation on requirements/timeframe to provide access to 2 first database systems have to take place. ENFSI and Europol agreed on setting up a common Strategic Plan on the collaboration between the two parties.

Further the ENFSI Board analyzed several ENFSI documents which require adaptation with regard to updating and avoiding of over-regulation. The constitution needs amending keeping in mind German Civil Code and ENFSI regulations.

The Education and Training Initiative was again on the agenda as this important topic needs a well-considered approach. A questionnaire on education and training needs within ENFSI will serve as basis for further steps.

Other agenda items were the IAFS conference in Toronto attended by the ENFSI Chairman and the Forensic Governance Forum in November. The latter will be held in Tampere, Finland, and serves as platform for ENFSI permanent representatives to discuss topics such as “From crime scene to court”, “Customer demand – from intelligent pre-lab assistance to after-lab knowledge support”, “Fit for purpose” service capacity versus “just in time” delivery”, “New developments in forensic science”.

The next Board meetings are scheduled for 13th October (Skype conference) and 29th November in connection with the Joint Meeting with the Expert Working Groups in Tallinn, Estonia.