National Scientific Center «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute» (hereinafter — NSC FSI) of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine is one of the oldest state forensic institutions of Ukraine. At the current stage of development, NSC FSI serves as an initiator in introducing European practices into the work of forensic institutions in Ukraine. It is recognized for its high level of conducting complex forensic investigations and implementing cutting-edge scientific developments, which hold both theoretical and practical significance and are essential for ensuring a high standard of judicial expertise in the country.
In 1923, the Government of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) established regional cabinets of forensic science within the system of the People’s Commissariat of Justice in Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv. Mykola Serhiiovych Bokarius was appointed as the Head of the Cabinet of Forensic Science in Kharkiv. In 1925, upon his initiative, the Kharkiv Cabinet was reorganized into the Institute of Forensic Science, with him serving as its unchanged Director from 1925 to 1931. Following the death of M. S. Bokarius in 1931, the Institute was named after him, the name that the current employees of the NSC FSI are proud of to this day.
In different periods, the Institution was headed by:
— Mykola Mykolaiovych Bokarius, a well-known scientist and forensic physician, whose leadership (1931—1946) coincided with the years of the World War II and the occupation of Kharkiv by the Nazis. This did not prevent the preservation of the institutional capacity and the achievements in scientific research and expert activities.
— Viktor Pavlovych Kolmakov, Doctor of Law, Professor. During his tenure (1946-1967), the Kharkiv School of Judicial Experts was further developed in many areas of forensic science.
— Mykola Vasylovych Skoryk, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine, PhD in Law, Associate Professor of the Criminalistics Department, under whose leadership (1967—1997) a department and a new building was constructed for the institution.
— Mykhailo Leonidovych Tsymbal, PhD in Law, Docent, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine. Under his leadership (1997-2010), the Kharkiv RIFE was recognized as the best according to the results of the state accreditation of scientific research institutions of forensic examinations of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine for rational use of scientific and technical potential.
— Andrii Ivanovych Lozovyi (2010—2016), PhD in Law, worked in the Institution since 1989, in particular, as the Head of the Laboratory of Forensic Automotive Examinations, Construction-technical examinations, Deputy Director for Forensic Examinations, and First Deputy Director.
— Oleksandr Mykolaiovych Kliuiev (2016—2023), Doctor of Law, Professor, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine.
On August 28, 2020, the President of Ukraine signed Decree No. 366/2020 On Awarding the Status of National Scientific Center to Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Kharkiv Research Institute of Forensic Examinations.
The Center is a member of the most representative international organization in Europe - the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI).
National Scientific Center «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute» cooperates with almost 20 expert organizations of foreign states, with which relevant agreements have been concluded: Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Romania, Uzbekistan, and others. Scientific and expert partnerships have also been established with leading institutions of Ukraine.
Being highly professional, having excellent professional qualities and undeniable competence, the Center’s employees conduct forensic examinations in more than 70 specialties and contribute to the investigation of the most high-profile cases.
The high level of quality of examinations and expert research has been confirmed:— Certificate of accreditation for compliance with the requirements of the International Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017;— Certificate of accreditation for compliance with the requirements of the International Standard EN ISO/IEC 17020:2014.
NSC FSI publishes the professional “Theory and Practice of Forensic Examinations and Criminalistics” Research Paper Collection and the “Archives of Criminology and Forensic Sciences” Scientific Journal. The Center also operates a scientific library, Applied Research Museum and Office-Museum of Emeritus Professor Mykola Serhiiovych Bokarius.