Vanessa Lynch

Dr Vanessa Lynch is the Regional Director of DNAforAfrica and a leading advocate for forensic DNA policy reform across the African continent. Her journey into forensic science advocacy began following the tragic murder of her father in 2004, an event that exposed critical gaps in South Africa’s forensic infrastructure . Motivated to effect change, she founded The DNA Project in 2005, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations.

Under her leadership, The DNA Project played a pivotal role in the enactment of South Africa’s first DNA Act, establishing the National Forensic DNA Database of South Africa, a significant advancement in the country’s criminal justice system. In 2021, Vanessa launched DNAforAfrica, a pan-African initiative aimed at supporting the development of DNA databases and forensic casework programmes through advocacy and scientific collaboration.  She has served on the Forensic Databasing Advisory Board (FDAB) for the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG), the National Forensic Oversight and Ethics Board, and the DNA Policy Board for Africa, contributing her expertise to shape forensic policies continent-wide.

Dr Lynch holds a Law degree from the University of Cape Town and a Doctorate of Laws in Forensic DNA Profiling and Ethics from Stellenbosch University. Her work continues to influence forensic science policy, ensuring that DNA technology serves as a tool for justice and human rights across Africa. Follow her journey @DNAforAfrica