On Friday, 31 January 2025, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine hosted the First International Scientific and Practical Conference entitled Current Issues in the Development of Ukraine’s Forensic Expert Activity.
The Scientific Research Center of Independent Forensic of The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine organised the event. It brought together scholars, forensic experts, professionals, and other stakeholders who actively conduct scientific research and contribute to developing forensic support for Ukraine’s justice system. Representing the State Enterprise ‘Directorate-General for Rendering Services to Diplomatic Missions’, Director-General Pavlo Kryvonos took part in the conference.
The following speakers delivered opening remarks at the conference: Andrii Haichenko, Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine; Nataliia Tkachenko, Director of the Forensic Support of Justice Department at the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine; Andrii Svintsytskyi, Acting Director of the Scientific Research Center of Independent Forensic of The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine; as well as directors of research institutions for forensic examination, heads of state specialised institutions, honorary guests, and directors of forensic institutions from EU countries.
In his welcome speech, Pavlo Kryvonos, GDIP Director-General, emphasised the significance of the conference in advancing Ukraine’s forensic expert sector. He shared a professional case, explaining how, upon GDIP’s recommendation and with its assistance, a legal document of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ukraine was restored. Additionally, Mr Kryvonos assured that conference materials would be widely promoted:
‘For over 30 years, our institution has fostered constructive dialogue between foreign diplomatic missions in Ukraine and state authorities. In today’s realities, keeping international cooperation channels open is particularly crucial, especially in the context of legal and expert collaboration. We are also pleased to assist in disseminating the conference materials and to cooperate within the framework of the specialised scientific journal Forensic Examination, launched by the Scientific Research Center of Independent Forensic, to expand its international readership and authorship. This conference is a clear testament to Ukraine’s commitment to developing the forensic expert field in line with the highest global and European standards. I believe today’s exchange of ideas and experiences will strengthen our collective dedication to effective justice and the restoration of fairness.’
Following the speeches, participants attended a presentation of the Scientific Research Center’s journal Forensic Science. The conference then continued with panel discussions on key topics, including: national and international experience in forensic support for justice; enhancing regulatory and legal frameworks for forensic expert activity amid European integration; improving interaction between forensic expert institutions and Ukraine’s security and defence sector; building integrity in forensic support for justice.
