1. Ukrainian-Latvian research project "Open Educational Resource; Forensic Science”
Project No. LV-UA/2021/3
Executing institution from Ukraine: National Scientific Center «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute».
Executing institution from Latvia: Riga Stradiņš University.
From January 2021 to December, the Ukrainian-Latvian project “Open Educational Resource; Forensic Science” was implemented. A delegation of researchers from the National Scientific Center «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute» arrived in Latvia.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
“Open Educational Resource; Forensic Science” is dedicated to comprehensive research of the latest scientific approaches, the formation of theoretical positions, and practical conclusions aimed at improving the mechanisms of educational and scientific activities in the field of forensic support of justice.
Within the framework of the research project, the importance of creating open educational resources and modernizing methods of training forensic experts will be proven.Considering the social significance of the activities of forensic experts, whose expert opinions help establish the truth in cases, the research project will address specific current issues of forensic science. Proving the importance of creating open educational resources and modernizing methods of training forensic experts is an integral part of this research.The project implemented the following:● solutions to urgent issues of the current state of forensic science in Ukraine and Latvia;● alignment with contemporary trends and approaches to enhancing the process of education, teaching, knowledge exchange in the field of forensic science and criminology;● creation of educational resource (filled with scientific materials, unique and rare publications, educational video presentations of laboratory work) with the possibility of remote use.
2. Trilateral Research Project: «Support for Ukrainian Forensic Experts in Documentation of the War Crimes Committed by the Russian Federation (FOR UKRAINE)».
Project No. LV-80
Implementing Institution (Ukraine): National Scientific Center «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute».
Director: Serhii Tiulieniev.
Head of R&D and Publishing, International Cooperation Laboratory: Oleksandr Sviderskyi.
Research Fellow: Tetiana Droshchenko.
Implementing Institution (Latvia): State Forensic Science Bureau of Latvia.
Director: Maira Čentoricka.
Deputy Director: Raimonds Apinis.
Head of the Department of Biological and Chemical Research: Māra Rēpele.
Implementing Institution (Estonia): Estonian Forensic Science Institute.
Director: Ivar Prits.

In 2023, the trilateral research project «Support for Ukrainian Forensic Experts in Documentation of the War Crimes Committed by the Russian Federation (FOR UKRAINE)» was initiated. Throughout the year, forensic experts from the NSC «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius FSI» (NSC FSI) visited the State Forensic Science Bureau of Latvia (SFSB) in Latvia twice and Estonian Forensic Science Institute (EFSI) once. These working visits aimed to exchange experience, enhance qualifications, and provide assistance in developing and testing new forensic examination methods.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE
To familiarize Ukrainian experts with advanced research methodologies and modern equipment used in the practice of Latvian forensic experts, as well as to exchange experience and offer consultations on challenges related to forensic ballistic and explosive examinations, questioned document examination, handwriting analysis, fingerprint examinations, weapon examination, DNA analysis, and more.

Project Key Achievements:
● Addressing urgent issues regarding the current state of forensic practice in Ukraine and Latvia.
● Defining modern trends and approaches to improve the processes of education, training, and knowledge exchange in the field of forensic science and criminalistics.
● The NSC FSI received charitable assistance from the Republic of Latvia to conduct DNA analyses, including equipment and consumables valued at a total of €70,000.

Skeleton ID
Since February 2023, NSC FSI has had several working meetings with representatives of the Spanish company Panacea Cooperative Research regarding possibilities of using the Skeleton•ID software by the NSC FSI employees for identifying individuals through craniofacial overlay, facial comparison, biological profiling, and comparative radiography.After reviewing the proposal from the Spanish, we found out that law enforcement and government agencies worldwide, particularly in South America, actively apply the forensic identification software Skeleton•ID when other means are not feasible. As noted by participants from the Spanish side during the meeting, Skeleton•ID allows for the identification of individuals within seconds (previously requiring hours or even days): patented technology automatically compares several skulls, dentition, and faces simultaneously. The software can be used to search databases for missing persons or to compare unidentified remains in mass graves.
The negotiations lasted about two months ago, and finally, in April 2023, we signed a trilateral memorandum of cooperation and partnership together with Panacea Cooperative Research and ARTEC Europe.According to the terms of memorandum, NSC FSI together with representatives of Panacea Cooperative Research are required to conduct a joint experiment. If it is successful, Spanish specialists will provide the Skeleton•ID program for our Center’s use and organize training for specialists in the use of this software. The combination of the existing Artec Leo 3D scanner at NSC FSI and the Skeleton•ID program will facilitate the solution of expert research tasks that were previously unresolved. Since April 2023, preparations for the experiment have been underway, including the discovery of skulls by the Center, forensic scanning, CT scanning of the skull by a Center employee, and the provision of photographs from 3 different angles of 24 subjects. The Skeleton•ID program was supposed to generate a 3D scan of the subject’s skull using their photographs. And the experiment was successful!
Currently, we are holding working meetings regarding the next steps in accordance with our agreement. Support from international partners and organizations in forensic science of Ukraine is very valuable, especially in the conditions of full-scale Russian aggression against our state.