Cardiovascular Genetics Department and Laboratory of Forensic Genetics

The Laboratory of Forensic Genetics (LabFoG) of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING) uses state of the art DNA‐based typing methodologies to study evidence from civil, criminal, mass disaster and missing persons investigations. Since 1995, the LabFoG has been examining crime scene evidence, submitted by the Cyprus Police Headquarters/Authorities, that require DNA analysis. Reports are prepared by the LabFoG and for a number of police cases, expert‐witness testimony is provided, for the DNA findings, to the Cypriot Courts of Law. The LabFoG maintains the National Criminal DNA database for the Cyprus Police Authorities. In 1996, the Government of Cyprus assigned to the LabFoG the responsibility of
collecting biological samples from the relatives of persons missing since the tragic events of 1958‐1964 and 1974. DNA has been extracted from these samples and a DNA database has been generated that is currently used for the identification of skeletal remains of missing persons. In addition, the LabFoG also employs DNA profiling methodologies to carry out parentage testing using stringent ethical criteria.
The LabFoG is a Member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes DNA Working Group and undergoes external proficiency testing twice a year.