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<p>My officials have been working closely with colleagues across Government as well
as the forensic science sector to ensure that policing and the CJS benefits from advances
in science and technology by developing and implementing new forensic techniques more
coherently. The Home Office and the Ministry of Justice have strengthened further
our working relationship with UKRI as we work with them and other strategic partners
including providing funding for the police-led Forensic Capability Network to develop
and set the research priorities for forensic science research and development.</p><p>
</p><p>The Forensic Capability Network have been working with user communities to
identify what they need from the research system, and what changes are needed as well
as interrogating existing links and resources to understand the extent to which the
current system is ready to meet user needs. The Forensic Capability Network is actively
identifying, the connections, infrastructures, or programmes in order to develop,
support and coordinate research for the justice system.</p><p> </p><p>A Science for
the Justice System Advisory Group has also been established, working with a UKRI project
to devise options for future mechanisms to effectively and efficiently coordinate
forensic science in the UK. Initial consultation with key stakeholders has identified
common areas of research need, and mapping of relevant UKRI investments has also been
undertaken to support ongoing development of funding and coordination options to ensure
research can better meet different forms of user need.</p><p> </p><p>Considerations
of the case for a National Institute are ongoing, but we consider work in progress
to represent a significant step in the right direction and will continue to monitor
progress at the Criminal Justice Board (CJB) Forensics Sub-Group.</p>
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