FDE Linked Partner Organizations show inclusion and unity across FDE worldwide. As Partner Organizations we support this initiative which aims to address important subjects of our discipline, promote cooperation among various forensic document examination organizations – highlight the global, international, and intercontinental connection we scientists have, and break national or continental barriers.
The ASFDE Inc., the ASQDE and Chartoularios Institute are providing the financial support for this endeavour.
Organizing Entities
The Australasian Society of Forensic Document Examiners Incorporated (ASFDE Inc.) was founded from the Australian Society of Forensic Document Examiners, originally formed in 1980. The objectives of the Society are: to foster education; to encourage scientific research; to exchange experiences, and to provide instruction in the field of document examination, and to promote justice in matters that involve questions about documents.
The American Society of Questioned Document Examiners is one of the oldest and largest organizations in the world dedicated to the profession of forensic document examination, tracing its roots to 1913, when Albert S. Osborn initiated a program for the interchange of ideas and research. The Society was formally founded in 1942. The objectives and purposes of the Society and of its members are to foster education, sponsor scientific research, establish standards, exchange experience, and provide instruction in the field of questioned document examination, and to promote justice in matters that involve questions about documents.
Chartoularios Institute of Questioned Document Studies is an associate member to the European Network of Forensic Handwriting Experts and has an international presence both in pursuing active civil & criminal cases, but also on an academic and research level. Chartoularios has delivered workshops and short courses for organizations & institutions in Greece, Hungary, Slovenia, England, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, U.S.A. and Canada.
Partner Organizations
Questioned Document Workgroup (QDWG) is one of the ten Workgroups and Committee in Asian Forensic Sciences Network (AFSN). QDWG was formed in 2019, and since then our membership has grown to 19 forensic institutes of 11 countries as of Dec 2022. We organise events such as scientific sessions, collaborative exercise, journal club and proficiency test to enhance the quality of forensic services in Asia. As a young Workgroup, we are pleased to have the opportunity to establish links with other similar networks for the promotion and advancement of forensic science.
The Brazilian Academy of Forensic Sciences (ABCF) was founded in 2012 with the objective of contributing to the development of Forensic Sciences in Brazil.
The European Document Experts Working Group (EDEWG) supports the aims and objectives of ENFSI in the area of Forensic Document Examination. The activities of EDEWG will be directed towards: Exchange of information and expertise, Support on technical issues, Promoting quality assurance, proficiency testing and collaborative exercises Harmonisation of examination procedures and techniques, Co-operation in research and development. EDEWG is managed by the Steering Committee (8 experts from different institutes). The working group consists of 57 ENFSI members from 31 different countries and of 8 associate members.
EDEWG has a number of mainly technical based subgroups, each taking forward areas such as research and development, method validation, writing of Methods & Procedures, QA-trials, exchange of information, collection of samples and information for database purposes, etc. in specified areas of questioned documents. At the moment the topics of these subgroups are: Non-destructive examination of printing products, Analysis of inks and toners, Document dating, Security documents recognition.
The European Network of Forensic Handwriting Experts (ENFHEX) is a working group of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI. With membership drawn from the majority of the 71 ENFSI laboratories and some associate members, ENFHEX (formed in 1998) has documented aims and objectives which include developing training tools, establishing methods (in both the traditional and digital aspects of forensic handwriting), running collaborative exercises and maintaining communication channels with similar external bodies. This is complimented by the regular Conferences which include both work-shops and scientific presentations.
The german Gesellschaft für Forensische Schriftuntersuchung (GFS) was already founded in 1951 as Fachverband freiberuflicher gerichtlicher Schriftsachverständiger. In 1985 the objectives and purposes were newly defined, the articles were revised substantially as well as the new name of the society was established. The association strives for the promotion of the Forensic Document Examination in research and practice and represents the profession of the Forensic Handwriting Examiners. The GFS pursues its objectives in particular by organizing conferences and meetings dealing with research, further professional training as well as the exchange of professional experience.
The Hellenic Association of Forensic Sciences (HAFS) was founded in 2012 to promote and establish applied forensic sciences in the administration of justice, encouraging relevant scientific research and safeguarding the scientific prestige of its members. It brings together experts (civil servants or private individuals) with various specializations in areas such as document examination, digital evidence, audio and video, firearms, DNA, physical chemistry, crime scene, fingerprints, road accidents, and toxicology. In this context, it organizes annual workshops and conferences, some of which are attended by its members and others in which students, lawyers, and other relevant professionals participate with great interest.
The IAFS encompasses academics and practicing professionals in the forensic specialties. Since 1957, the IAFS has delivered an international meeting every three years to allow the forensic community to meet and exchange ideas. It is our pleasure to host IAFS 2023 in the newly revamped International Convention Centre in Sydney, Australia. We feel privileged and honoured that many of the world’s leading investigators in the field will actively participate and inspire over 1,500 attendees from across the world. We encourage you to save the dates in your calendar and register your expression of interest today. This way you can be kept up to date with the latest information and program news. We look forward to welcoming you in Sydney in November 2023!
