Facilitating criminal investigations - thematic network launched
A new thematic network that will develop highly accurate forensic methods for criminal investigation has been launched under the Growth subsection of the European Commission's Fifth Framework programme. The NITE-CRIME (Natural isotopes and trace elements in criminalistics and environmental forensics) network will use trace elements and isotope rations in order to verify the authenticity and/or origin of raw materials, industrial products and materials, illegal drugs, dangerous goods, human remains and cultural artefacts. The network involves forensic science institutes, chemical analysis organisations and other research organisations from seven countries, four of them EU Member States. Participants will work together to develop a mass spectrometer, a specialised weighing machine, which will use the difference in mass-to-charge ration of ionised atoms or molecules to separate them from each other. One innovative aspect of the work is the combination of laser ablation, which will create the ions, along with various separation methods. Ultra violet or excimer lasers can now be used to obtain lower wavelengths and greater accuracy than has been possible until now. The NITE-CRIME network will be a forum for the development and dissemination of validated analytical measurement protocols, establishment and development of reference databases, education and training of forensic scientist and site teams, global user assistance and information in cooperation with relevant international judicial and forensic organisations.