About the Balkan Academy of Forensic Sciences
Rooted in the Balkans. Connected to the world. Advancing forensic sciences globally.
The Balkan Academy of Forensic Sciences (BAFS) is an international scientific and professional academy dedicated to the advancement of forensic sciences through education, research, collaboration, and the promotion of high professional standards.
Although the Academy was founded in the Balkan region and carries the Balkan identity in its name, BAFS has grown into a global scientific platform. Today, its members, participants, speakers, collaborators, and scientific partners come from many countries across Europe and the wider international forensic science community. The Academy is rooted in the Balkans, but its vision, activities, and professional network extend far beyond regional borders.
Founded in Istanbul in 2003, BAFS was established to create a common platform for forensic scientists, medical doctors, legal professionals, academics, researchers, and practitioners. Since its foundation, the Academy has aimed to strengthen scientific dialogue, encourage multidisciplinary cooperation, and support the development of forensic sciences at both regional and international levels.
The mission of BAFS is to promote education and research in all fields of forensic science, to encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience, to improve professional practice, and to contribute to the continuous development of scientific standards. The Academy supports collaboration across many disciplines, including forensic medicine, forensic genetics, toxicology, pathology, anthropology, odontology, criminalistics, forensic psychiatry, forensic nursing, humanitarian forensics, and related fields.
BAFS believes that forensic science serves not only the justice system, but also society, human rights, public health, disaster response, humanitarian action, and international cooperation. For this reason, the Academy brings together professionals from different countries, institutions, scientific traditions, and areas of expertise.
Through its annual scientific meetings, educational activities, workshops, working groups, and collaborative projects, BAFS provides opportunities for professionals and young researchers to present their work, exchange experience, discuss current challenges, and contribute to the future of forensic sciences.
The Academy remains committed to scientific excellence, ethical practice, interdisciplinary communication, and the development of a strong global forensic science community.
What We Do
Scientific Meetings
BAFS organizes annual scientific meetings that bring together forensic scientists, medical doctors, legal professionals, academics, researchers, and practitioners from the Balkans and the international forensic science community.
Education and Training
The Academy supports workshops, training activities, and educational programs that contribute to professional development and the improvement of forensic science practice.
Working Groups and Scientific Collaboration
BAFS encourages collaboration through its scientific working groups, bringing together experts from different disciplines to exchange knowledge, develop ideas, and support future projects.
International Networking
Although founded in the Balkans, BAFS serves as a global platform for forensic science professionals, promoting cooperation among institutions, experts, and young researchers across countries and regions.