Forensic Science Ireland celebrates fifty years

Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) today celebrates fifty years since it was established.

FSI marked the occasion today with a celebratory event at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham.

The event featured contributions on the impact of Forensic Science on the Criminal Justice system and the development of FSI over the last 50 years. A commemorative booklet, which looks back on the major milestones in FSI's history over its first half century, was also launched at the event.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan hailed FSI for the role it has played in the criminal justice system over the last half century.

FSI was first established in 1975 as the Forensic Science Laboratory under Dr Jim Donovan.

Since then it has expanded to over 200 staff, providing a broad range of analytical tests, scientific advice and expert opinion from crime scene to court that are vital to the criminal justice system.

Dr Ciarán Seoighe took over as Director General in October this year having joined from Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.

In 2024 FSI moved to a new state of the art facility in Backweston, under then Director General Chris Enright.

This summer FSI hosted Europe's largest forensic science event – the European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS).

Held every three years, the EAFS brings together over 1,200 forensic science practitioners, stakeholders and partners from across the European forensic science community to showcase developments in the area.