News

29.02.2012

In State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” training courses were held in within the INL project

From 13 to 24 February, 2012 advisors on criminalistic issues of INL program Christian Donnell, Caroline Tontarski, Franko Luck and Metyu Green were in State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” with working visit. During the visit Metyu Green held a two-week improvement /training/ courses, in the first week the training was about gas chromatographic research, in second about mass spectrometric research, in which participated experts from materiological and toxicological expertises departments. These studies have found positive expression in works of corresponding departments of our organization. The aim of Caroline Tontarski’s visit was to evaluate the Quality assurance system, document review existent in the organization for accreditation process aimed for technical assistance in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005 “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories” standards requirements introduced in the organization.

25.01.2012

The international three-day Workshop entitled “National Forensic Databases: Enhancing of Efficiency, Development of Capacities and Possibilities, Exchanging of best Practices and Cooperation between Forensic Institutions, Law Enforcement Agencies” was finished

From 16 to 18 January, 2012, in Yerevan, the Republic of Armenia for the first time the international three-day Workshop/Seminar has taken place, organized by International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) and the National Bureau of Expertises which was dedicated to national forensic databases, enhancing of efficiency, development to capacities and possibilities, exchanging of best practices and cooperation between forensic institutions, law enforcement agencies.
  Leo Owsiacki, Deputy Executive Director of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) and Coordinator of the Law Enforcement Targeted Initiative Project (LETI),as well as Global Security, Biotechnology and Health Senior Project Manager N.Savinova participated in the workshop. Also, Western experts were specially invited: Lindsey Gehrig from the US Department of Energy (DOE), Armando Alcaraz from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Mark Branchflower from the Interpol headquarters and Olga Martin from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
  Honorary guests of the workshop were RA Prosecutor General A.Hovsepyan, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (RA NAS), academician R.Martirosyan, deputy chief of Police H.Hunanyan, the head of Armenia’s Interpol Bureau A.Fidanyan, the head of Science State Committee of the Republic of Armenia, S.Harutyunyan, the chairman of the Union of Armenian experts, Professor A.Tadevosyan.
  Representatives from national and foreign forensic entities and some renowned research centers participated in the workshop, namely, the head of the Russian Federal Center of Forensic Science of the Ministry of Justice, Doctor of Jurisprudence, Professor S.Smirnova, the head of the National Forensic Bureau of Georgia G.Khizanishvili, forensic experts, criminologists and scientists from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Belarus and Kyrgyzia who also mostly represented national forensic bodies. Armenia was also represented by the director of IT and Automation Institute V.Sahakyan, director of the Plastpolymer research institute P.Voskanyan, A.Ghalumyan from the Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory at the accelerator physics and technology department. S.Manukyan represented the Expert-criminalistics department of Police of RA.
  On the first day RA Prosecutor General A.Hovsepyan, RA NAS president, academician R.Martirosyan and director of National Bureau of Expertises A.Javadyan opened the workshop and welcomed the audience. The first day was dedicated to the presentations of ISTC, DOE, LLNL and Interpol headquarters activities. Also, many questions were discussed, its purpose was to reveal cooperation possibilities under the LETI.
  The second day of the workshop was dedicated to fingerprint, explosives and drugs databases, which were dicussed in separate subgroups.
  The following three main subjects were dicussed in the subgroups:

  • Current challenges with national fingerprint, drugs, explosives databases.
  • How are challenges identified?
  • What type of equipment or training would help “fill a gap” in capabilities or efficiency?

On the third day of the workshop participants gave their presentations and reports. Also, the director of the National Bureau of Expertises, Artashes Javadyan took the floor. He spoke about new forensic databases, considering the latter as really tools for providing forensic, intelligence and investigative activities. In his presentation he pointed out the example of European Union countries (DNA). National forensic databases will enable to exchange necessary information which would contribute to the improvement of the above activities. In conclusion, Mr. Javadyan noted that general and advanced methods are needed to develop new databases, unified approaches must be devised which, naturally, will improve the quality of examinations and make the solution of diagnostic and identification problems more efficient.
  As a summary the director of the National Bureau of Expertises A.Javadyan presented draft statement on the results of the workshop, which was accepted unanimously after discussion and some additions.
  At the end of the day, the participants visited the National Bureau of Expertises and familiarized themselves with the equipment of the divisions and new methods of examination.

30.12.2011

International Seminar by the Initiative of International Science and Technology Center and the National Bureau of Expertises

From 16 to 18 January, 2012 a workshop is going to take place within the framework of LETI (Law Enforcement Targeted Initiative) project at “Ani Plaza” hotel about “National forensic databases: enhancing of efficiency, development of capacities and possibilities, exchanging of best practices and cooperation between forensic institutions, law enforcement agencies”. The organizers of the workshop are the Initiative of International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) and the National Bureau of Expertises (NBE).

Overall LETI Workshop Objectives:

  • Develop a partnership between various forensic laboratories and research institutions of Eastern Europe and CIS with the goal of developing, sharing and maintaining the data of forensic databases.
  • Identify and find solutions to relevant barriers that may hinder the sharing of forensic databases/information.
  • Select two or three types of forensic databases that are most necessary and have the greatest probability for success, so that LETI workshop participants can fill the data at the present:
    • Fingerprint database,
    • Homemade explosives database (devices and specific ingredients),
    • Mass-spectrometry database of counterfeit drugs, illicit drugs and explosives,
    • Infrared spectroscopy database of counterfeit drugs, illicit drugs and explosives,
    • Paint coverage database,
    • Fibers database,
    • Ballistic database.
  • Provide the presence of subject matter experts in forensic databases for the workshop participants to be assisted in the development of scientifically valid and quality controlled databases.
  • Review quality control and chain of custody procedures for collecting evidence and analyzing suspect samples.
  • Organize discussions and develop strategies for the development of the shared forensic databases in further phases.

We would like to mention that among the workshop participants are representatives of biggest criminalistic centers from USA, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan and other countries, and of course specialists from Armenia. The representatives from Prosecutor General’s Office, Police and Interpol also participate in the event.

For more detailed information regarding the workshop you can turn to the Organizing Committee: the Head of the Committee, Head of Quality Assurance and Control Department of the National Bureau of Expertises, Kristine Khurshudyan, phone number: (+374 10) 777710, e-mail: qa@nbe.am.

07.11.2011

Friedrich Lösel’s visit to State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises”

On November 4, 2011 Director of the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge of Great Britain, professor Friedrich Lösel, Ph.D., visited State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises”. Being introduced to the Bureau’s activity, visiting all the units of the Bureau, being in expert departments and laboratories, professor Lösel appreciated the works carried out in the bureau giving special importance to the role of the bureau’s director in the development of the Bureau. As a result of the meeting cooperation was established between the National Bureau of Expertises and the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge. Particularly, preliminary arrangements were made on sending the employees of the scientific research center of the applied problems of criminology to the University of Cambridge on a business trip, as well as on the opportunities of publishing the English variants of researches carried out by the center in foreign countries.

25.10.2011

Head of Materiological Expertises Department was sent to the Republic of Poland on a business trip

Head of Materiological Expertises Department of State Non-Profit Organization ‘’National Bureau of Expertises’’ was sent with a working group to the Republic of Poland, Varshava on a business trip to study the production process of RA 500 dram coins issued by the mint of the Republic of Poland, the procedure for the appointment and performance of expertises related to the coins and the working experience of law enforcement field. The experience of the Republic of Poland on the detection, research and conclusions on false coins and counterfeit banknotes was studied in the National Bank of Poland. In the National Bank of the Republic of Poland information was also provided on the methods and equipments applied during the research of coins and banknotes. In the Mint of the Republic of Poland information was provided on the technological process of coin cutting, the process of stamp preparation and the process of preparation of labour stamps from the “mother stamp”. The data and information obtained during the business trip are very important for the coin expertises performed at State Non-Profit Organization ‘’National Bureau of Expertises”. A report was prepared on the results of the business trip.

17.10.2011

The technical base of State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” was supplemented with new equipment

From 10 to 14 October, 2011 advisors on criminalistic issues of INL program Christian Donnell and Michael Martinez visited State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” on a business trip. Within the framework of the visit NITON XL3t 800 analizer was given to State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” by the American colleagues, the application of which gives an opportunity to carry out quantitative research of metals, fusions, heavy metals, as well as almost all the inorganic elements. From 10 to 14 October three employees of State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” passed a professional training with the aim of acquiring necessary knowledge and skills to be able to work with the granted equipment.

24.09.2011

STATE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION “NATIONAL BUREAU OF EXPERTISES”, REPUBLIC ARMENIA AS A MEMBER OF EUROPEAN NETWORK OF FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTES (ENFSI)

On September 23, 2011 became known the results of the last session of European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) 15th council that was so much expected by the whole staff of the National Bureau of Expertises. During the above mentioned session which took place on September 15 along with other issues the membership of the National Bureau of Expertises to the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes was going to be discussed. For about four years the organization had been performing very serious and difficult preliminary works to comply the organization’s activity /abilities, quality and quantity of the performed functions, implemented quality assurance system etc/ with ENFSI membership requirements. With that aim on August 30, 2011 Pawel Rybicki - chairman of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) and Christina Bertler – chairman for the Quality and Competence Committee (QCC) within the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) visited the National Bureau of Expertises for assessment to make sure to what extent the organization corresponds to the requirements of ENFSI membership. At the end of the assessments, the assessors mentioned the main results of their observations and findings, as we know, the final decision had to be made by the ENFSI 15th council. Thus, after waiting impatiently for 23 days it became clear that “National Bureau of Expertises” is а full member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes, which is the leading Institution in Europe, and Republic of Armenia - thirty fifth member country, 4th country from The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This great achievement gives an opportunity to expand the opportunities for cooperation with leading European forensic expert organizations, to exchange data and experience, to engage in new scientific research projects, to obtain new scientific methodological manuals etc. The director and the senior managers of the National Bureau of Expertises congratulate the whole staff of the organization on becoming a full member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes.

20.06.2011

The activities of the administrative department of the National Bureau of Expertises correspond to the standards adopted by the International association of property and evidence

Former director of the US “The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory” and past president of “The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors”, currently a forensic consultant for “Professional Business Solutions, Inc, (PBSI)” and “The International Criminal Investigation Training Assistance Program (ICITAP)” Mr. Richard Tanton is in the National Bureau of Expertises on a two-week business trip. The main objective of Mr. Tanton’s visit is making amendments in the documented procedures of the administrative department of the National Bureau of Expertises so that they become consistent with the standards adopted by the International Association of Property and Evidence-IAPE). All the advice and proposals on amendments were made considering the requirements and procedures of the RA criminal procedure code which were introduced to the expert. By the request of the National Bureau of Expertises Mr. Tanton consulted on the development process of barcodes application procedure, as the use of barcodes affects almost all areas of property and evidence management. Mr. Tanton spoke with the staff of the National Bureau of Expertises to develop relevant procedures, as well as to make a list of the necessary equipment.


Cooperation with the Armenian leading universities is being continued...

09.06.2011

A contract was signed between the National Bureau of Expertises and Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University

On 9 June, 2011 within the framework of scientific and educational works a contract was signed on cooperation between the National Bureau of Expertises and Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University. Particularly, within the framework of the contract cooperation is envisaged on a number of professions in scientific-research, scientific-practical and educational spheres using the bases of scientific educational and specialized laboratories of the two organizations taking into consideration that relevant forensic and non-forensic examinations are carried out in Armenia on different professions. During their activity the parties intend to provide each other with literature, methodological papers, manuals, scientific periodicals on relevant specialities (including materiological, ballistic, traceological, handwriting, author’s and questioned documents, medical-biological, road and traffic accident circumstances, technical condition of transport means and transport traceological, etc.) using their own scientific-educational bases, organizing discussions, seminars, conferences, scientific sessions for their employees.

30.05.2011

On 30 May, 2011 a business meeting took place between the ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to the Republic of Armenia Miguel Angel Cuneo and director of State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises”, RA Artashes Javadyan

The working group of State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” headed by Mr. A.Javadyan and with the participation of head of forensic medical expertises department A.Hovsepyan and trainer on archeological-anthropological expertises A.Hovhannisyan visited the embassy of Argentina where a discussion took place on the establishment and development of archeological-anthropological expertises in the Republic of Armenia. During the discussion the Argentinean party proposed to establish cooperation with “Argentine forensic anthropology team /EAAF/”. The mentioned cooperation will include exchange of relevant professional information, data and methodology, development, localization and investment of modern methodological guidelines in State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises”, provision of professional information, education and training of experts and specialists, etc.

17.05.2011

Training courses aimed at the development of professional knowledge and working skills of experts performing examinations of the causes of accidents in the field of road accidents compulsory insurance

Contracts of provision of training services for further education /improvement of professional knowledge and working skills/ were signed with closed joint-stock insurance companies such as union of legal persons “Car Insurance Bureau of Armenia”, “Rosgosstrakh-Armenia”, “Sil Insurance”, “Resso”, “Nairi Insurance”, “Cascade Insurance”, “Ingo Armenia” within the framework of which 21 employees from the above mentioned companies were involved in trainings conducted by our organization.

16.05.2011

State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” provides the requirements of the international standard ISO 9001:2008 “Quality Management Systems: Requirements”

From 02 to 13 May, 2011 director of “Professional Business Solutions, INC (PBSI)” Donnell Christian, certification manager of “Forensic Quality Services” Terry Mills and certification adviser of “The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors” David Stevens visited State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” with the aim of the assessment and discovery of non-conformances in the quality assurance system implemented in the organization, as well as for organization of trainings for the employees and providing technical support. The visit of quality assurance management consisted of three parts: information introduction, training and correction of non conformances. Summarizing the results of the visit we can say that the quality management system of State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” provides the requirements of the international standard ISO 9001:2008 “Quality Management Systems; Requirements” implemented in the organization. After having implemented a number of activities in the field of quality assurance, the organization can be fully accredited according to the requirements of the standard ISO IEC 17025:2005 “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”.

07.05.2011

Armenia participated in the conference organized by ENFSI expert working group for the first time

From 4 to 6 May, 2011 the head of Technical Explosive and Arson expertises department of the National Bureau of Expertises David Melkumyan participated in the annual conference organized in Vienna by the expert working group on explosives (FINEX) of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI). Though being an associate member of the group since 2009 Armenia took part in such an event for the first time. 69 experts from 26 countries took part in the conference. A number of scientific discussions took place within the framework of the event, during which the participants presented the methodology for the research of explosives in their own countries, discussed issues of common interest. D.Melkumyan had meetings with his foreign colleagues during which preliminary arrangements were made on future cooperation.

28.04.2011

A seminar was held with the participation of employees of the National Bureau of Expertises

On 28 April, 2011 a seminar took place with the participation of employees of the medical-biological, forensic medical and other departments of the National Bureau of Expertises. The seminar was on “Phosphor organic compounds intoxication clinic; pathomorphology and the possibilities of the posthumous detection of toxicants”. Among the participants of the seminar were the head of quality assurance and control department Ch. Khurshudyan, head of medical biological expertises department N.Khachatryan, head of clinical toxicological expertises unit S. Minasyan, acting expert of the same unit A. Manvelyan, expert of forensic medical expertises department, doctor of medical sciences G. Aghabekyan, specialist of pathoanatomy S. Harutyunyan, clinical ordinators of the same department Kh. Stepanyan and G. Markosyan, head of soil and biological expertises department S. Harutyunyan, expert of the same department G. Hambaryan, employees of food expertises department N. Andreasyan, A. Azaryan, S. Martirosyan, acting head of odourological expertises unit A. Avetisyan, expert of arson and explosives expertises department R. Meliksetyan. The subject of the seminar was introduced by the head of medical biological expertises department N. Khachatryan, who mentioned the importance of such meetings, seminars and scientific conferences from the viewpoint of exchange of views, education and enriching professional knowledge necessary for future young experts passing clinical internship and training. Thus, the most important among the functions of the National Bureau of Expertises is to give an opportunity to the experts to master expert professions and to support the solution of problems concerning human resources qualification. The seminar was summarized by forensic medical expert of the forensic medical expertises department’s histological expertises unit, doctor of medical sciences G. Aghabekyan who gave special importance to the role of internal body examination, pathologicoanatomic and pathologic changes, referred to problems on human resources, mentioned the necessity of specialized and qualified pathoanatomist, pathоhistologists and forensic cytologists during the implementation of forensic medical examinations.

15.04.2011

The organization’s director had speech at the annual reporting back meeting of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia.

On 15 April, 2011 director of the National Bureau of Expertises A. Javadyan, head of cultural expertises department E. Avanesov, head of materiological expertises department S. Hakobyan participated in the annual reporting back meeting of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia. President of the Republic of Armenia S. Sargsyan attended the annual reporting back meeting of the RA National Academy of Sciences. President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia Mr. R. Martirosyan presented the summary report representing the works done by the Academy during the reporting year. In his report R. Martirosyan appreciated the scientific works done at the National Bureau of Expertises and proposed the Institutions of the Academy to closely cooperate with the National Bureau of Expertises, as the latter possesses modern equipment that can be used during common scientific research activities. Directors of different scientific research institutions spoke at the reporting back meeting. There were questions and answers as well as suggestions by the Academy staff. Director of the National Bureau of Expertises A. Javadyan spoke at the reporting back meeting presenting to the participants the organization’s structure, the activities carried out in the organization’s expert departments, the process of the implementation of scientific (scientific-methodical, scientific-practical, scientific-research, scientific-educational) works. At the end of his speech Mr. A. Javadyan referred to the scientific and expert activities intended to carry out at the National Bureau of Expertises. Foreign member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, director of St. Petersburg State Hermitage Museum, associate member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Russian Federation Mr. M. B. Piotrovsky spoke at the reporting back meeting. He spoke of the prospective constructing and renovation activities of "Hermitage", referred to the existence and development of Armenian pavilions.

15.04.2011

Piotrovsky’s visit to the National Bureau of Expertises

In order to participate in the general annual meeting of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia director of St. Petersburg State Hermitage Museum, associate member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Russian Federation Mr. M. B. Piotrovsky visited Armenia as a foreign member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia. During his visit on 15 April, 2011 he also visited State Non-Profit Organization "National Bureau of Expertises". Mr. M. B. Piotrovsky was thoroughly introduced to the peculiarities of the performance of complex cultural expertises. He was introduced to complex cultural expertise proceedings performed by the specialists of handwriting, questioned documents and materiological /dies, fiber/ expertises departments respectively. Then, Mr. M. B. Piotrovsky got acquainted with the history and the experts of the department. At the end Mr. M. B. Piotrovsky visited the departments and laboratories that participated in complex cultural expertises. Head of cultural expertises department E. Avanesov and the heads of the mentioned departments separately introduced the works done and highlighted the complex nature of cultural expertises. Mr. M. B. Piotrovsky was satisfied with the works done by the cultural expertises department and expressed his willingness for further long-term cooperation with all the departments participating during the performance of complex cultural expertises.

07-09 April, 2011

Delegation of the National Bureau of Expertises visited Georgia

Based on the invitation of Trans-National Crime Combating Project Manager of US Embassy in Armenia John Maher, from 7 to 9 April of this year the delegation of the National Bureau of Expertises of the Republic of Armenia headed by director A.Javadyan visited the National Forensic-Expert Bureau of Georgia and Forensic-Expert Main Division at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. The main goals of the visit were to get acquainted with the works done, to share best experience and to establish mutually beneficial cooperation, which will contribute to the further improvement of scientific-practical works. Of course, there are certain differences between the methods and style of the activity of expert structures in these two countries which were formed during the two decades of independence, thus enriching the international experience in that field. The goal of our experts was to thoroughly study the traditions in the field of expertises formed in neighboring countries that are of utmost importance in our times, new style of working coming to the necessary conclusions as a result of complex study. It is noteworthy that Georgian colleagues showed great interest towards the results of the activity of expert institutions of our country, especially State Non-Profit Organization “National Bureau of Expertises” of the Republic of Armenia.

30.03.2011

The organization’s director had a speech at the Board meeting of the prosecution

By the presidency of the general prosecutor of the Republic of Armenia Aghvan Hovsepyan on 30 March, 2011 was taken place prosecution’s Board meeting during which were discussed the studies performed during the years 2009-2010 on the preparation of materials on criminal cases about illegal and false business, smuggling, illegal circulation of drugs, prosecutorial control over the investigation of criminal cases and the conditions of the protection of accusation. Director of the National Bureau of Expertises Mr. A. Javadyan and deputy director on science and education Yu. Avetisyan took part at the Board meeting of RA Prosecution, where director A. Javadyan introduced the expertises performed at the National Bureau of Expertises during the years 2009-2010 within the framework of struggle against the illegal circulation of drugs in the Republic of Armenia. Besides, director A. Javadyan gave information on the acquisition and implementation of a number of modern expert technologies, methods, methodologies and equipment in order to ensure the high quality of forensic expertises performed at the National Bureau of Expertises in the framework of the illegal circulation of drugs in the Republic of Armenia. In connection with the latter the general prosecutor commissioned the organizational and supervisory board to propose the discussion of this informational letter during the operative consultations of the structural units and prosecutions considering the results during the further activities.

18.02.2011

A VISIT TO THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF EXPERTISES

On 18 February this year professor of forensic biological chair of Idaho State University (USA) Greg Hampikyan visited State Non-Profit Organization "National Bureau of Expertises". The guest was accepted by the director of the National Bureau of Expertises Artashes Javadyan. G. Hampikyan was thoroughly introduced to the history of the organization’s foundation and the main areas of its current activity. The guest was also introduced to the activity and working conditions of the organization’s main departments. G. Hampikyan was informed of the plans of creating a DNA examination department in the organization. He expressed his readiness to support the improvement of the Bureau's specialists' professional level, particularly organizing courses in the USA.

10.01.2011

CORRESPONDS TO THE STANDARDS

In the framework of ISO 9001:2008 ''Quality Management Systems. Requirements'' international standard, implemented in State Non-Profit Organization "National Bureau of Expertises" at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia since 2009, on 20 October, 2010 ''National Institute of Standards'' CJSC at RA Ministry of Economy issued an audit opinion on certificate validity. Besides, on 30 December, 2010 two testing laboratories of NBE (food and ballistic) were given accreditation certificates by the National Accreditation Body of the Republic of Armenia: Council for accreditation of certification bodies and testing laboratories in the field of conformity assessment which certify that the above mentioned laboratories correspond to ISO/IEC 17025-2005 “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”. Naturally, as a result of those processes examinations and expert reports carried out in the organization meet the trust of clients, including courts and law enforcement agencies. In order to become more competitive, as well as to pass international accreditation it is obligatory for the organization to successfully overcome and get a certificate of ISO 17025 international standard being one of the most important standards in the world for the quality assessment. It should be noted that for performing those works considerable scientific-practical and scientific-methodical tasks are envisaged to organize and implement during the years 2012-2014 in order to successfully pass international accreditation during that period through any European competent structure.

14-17 September, 2010

From 14 to 17 September, 2010 Khachatur Harutyunyan, the Head of the Computer-Technical Expertises Department of the National Bureau of Expertises, participated in the annual conference, organized in the capital of the Russian Federation, in Moscow

From 14 to 17 September, 2010 Khachatur Harutyunyan, the Head of the Computer-Technical Expertises Department of the National Bureau of Expertises of the Republic of Armenia, participated in the annual conference, organized by the working group of “Forensic Information Technologies” (FIT WG) of the “European Network Forensic Science Institutes” (ENFSI) in the capital of the Russian Federation, in Moscow. The conference was devoted to the innovations in the sphere of information technologies and exchange of international experience, where were more than 45 participants of forensic expert organizations from Europe and Asia. In the end of the event participants were awarded certificates of “New Forensic Solutions for Receiving Digital Evidence”.

11.09.2010

During the event held from the 7th to the 8th of October 2010 in RA National Academy of Science the National Bureau of Expertises is going to present a scientific report

From the 7th to the 8th of October 2010 the “Information & Brokerage Event” devoted to the thematic direction ‘’Ecology (including climate changes)’’ of the EU 7th Framework Program will be held in RA National Academy of Sciences. Taking into consideration the results of the preliminary competition the scientific report of the National Bureau of Expertises ‘’Urgent problems of ecological security, struggle against nuclear and radioactive pollution within the framework of European regional cooperation’’ will be presented during the event.

The National Bureau of Expertises will be represented by chief of the organization’s materiological expertises department, scientific council secretary, chemical PhD, assistant professor S. M. Hakobyan, director adviser, PhD, assistant professor V. G. Yengibaryan, chief specialist of Quality Assurance and Control Department L. Z. Mkrtchyan.

September, 2010

Expert of Biological Expertises Department Karen Darbinyan participated in an international conference

During the period from 29 August to 2 September, 2010 expert of Food, Soil and Biological Expertises Department K. Darbinyan participated in the 5th International Conference ‘’Biocatalysis’’ which took place in Germany at Hamburg Technological University and made a speech report with the subject ‘’Microbial Catalysis of Ethyl’’.

August, 2010

Scientific publications

The article ‘’Seismic risk assessment for rural areas’’ developed by expert of Constructing-Technical and Engineering-Technical Expertises Department Zaven Khlghatyan was sent for publication in the collection of materials of ‘’14th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering’’ taking place in Macedonia from August 30 to the third of September.

In August 2010 expert of Psychological Expertises Department David Amiryan’s monograph ‘’Psychological Preconditions of Business’’ was submitted for printing. It will be published before the end of 2010.

31.08.2010

New Instructions Invested in the National Bureau of Expertises

In accordance with the National Bureau of Expertises director’s order N 22-A given on the 20th of February 2009 in order to ensure the accomplishment of the organization’s statutory functions the instructions about ‘’Human health and organization of the safety of environmental activities’’ were developed and after the director’s approval invested in seven units of the Bureau. During the month of August, 2010 the number of the units has reached 11. With the opening of new units new instructions will be developed for them.

01.08.2010

The National Bureau of Expertises hosted head of Russian Federation Sverdlovsk region Expert Criminalistic Center Konstantin Eduardovich Petrosyan.

On 1 August, 2010 head of Russian Federation Sverdlovsk Region Expert Criminalistic Center Konstantin Eduardovich Petrosyan visited National Bureau of Expertises. During his visit Mr. Petrosyan got acquainted with the activities of the organization, questions were discussed on assistance and cooperation; arrangements were made related to the future partnership between the National Bureau of Expertises and Sverdlovsk Expert Criminalistic Center.

July, 2010

Project-Proposal in the Sphere of Nuclear Criminalistices

In July 2010 within the framework of the Targeted Initiatives on Criminalistics of the International Scientific Technical Center (ISTC) the National Bureau of Expertises and the National Academy of Sciences Institute for Physical Research developed a joint project-proposal. The authors of the project offered to carry out a number of measures in the field of nuclear criminalistics aimed at the detection of radioactive/nuclear materials and their identification, description and clarification of their sources. The project-proposal is now under discussion.

July, 2010

Training courses abroad for officers have been organized by the National Bureau of Expertises

The National Bureau of Expertises organized and held improvement and training courses abroad for the officers competent to acquire initial expert data and to appoint expertises (investigation, inquiry bodies and other employees). Particularly, during the period from the 6th to the 16th of July training courses abroad were held for the competent officers of the units situated in the city Karvachar of Nagorno Karabakh. Afterwards, during the period from July 19 to July 30, 2010 similar courses were organized in the units of Martakert. Fifty officers in Karvachar and one hundred officers in Martakert participated in the improvement and training courses. The courses were held with the efforts of experienced teaching staff, by didactic materials (including didactic materials placed on electronic carriers), using modern computer equipment, necessary property, literature, as well as educational manuals. It is planned to organize similar courses in future.

25.06.2010

The delegation of the Russian Federation Ministry of Interior Affairs visited the National Bureau of Expertises

Within the framework of the cooperation between the Police of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation Ministry of Interior Affairs the delegation headed by the chief of the Russian Federation Ministry of Interior Affairs All-Russian scientific research institute, major general Sergey Ivanovich Girko by the recommendation of the chief of the RA Police visited the National Bureau of Expertises as well. During their visit the delegation members got acquainted with the work of the National Bureau of Expertises and the Research Center of Applied Problems of Criminalistics. Issues on assistance and cooperation were also discussed.

09-10 June, 2010

Director of the National Bureau of Expertises Artashes Javadyan participated in the international seminar organized in Moscow

On the 9th and 10th of June 2010 director of the National Bureau of Expertises Artashes Javadyan participated in the international seminar organized in Moscow with the subject ‘’Targeted initiatives in preserving public order: research and identification of criminalistic objects: modern means and methods’’. The seminar was organized by the International Scientific Technical Center (ISTC), Nuclear Scientific Research University (Moscow Engineering-physical Institute) and the Expert-criminalistic Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. During the seminar reports were made by the representatives of scientific research and expert centers of different countries. Director of the National Bureau of Expertises of RA Artashes Javadyan came up with a report with the subject ‘’Methodological principles of forensic expert activity during the performance of forensic expertises and the research of criminalistic objects’’.

May, 2010

Participation in scientific seminar

During May 2010 the employees of Food, Soil and Biological Expertises Department participated in the scientific seminar “Microorganism Staphylococcus aureus as the main cause for food and food sources infection”, which took place in the National Center of Microbiology and Deposit of Microorganisms of RA National Academy of Sciences.

May, 2010

Courses for the Experts

In May 2010 the employees of Materiological and Medical Biological Expertises Departments participated in the training with the subject ‘’Analysis of Drugs by the Method of Infrared Spectroscopy’’, which was held by one of the founders of the above mentioned method of drug research in the USA Seyford Angeles.

23.04.2010

The Training and Educational Department of National Bureau of Expertises organized regular training courses abroad

During the period from 12 April to 23 April 2010 the RA “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit organization’s Training and Educational Department organized and held training courses abroad for the training and improvement of RA Ministry of Defense Shirak region military units’ 90 competent officers responsible for obtaining initial data and authorized to appoint expertises. The heads of the relevant military units sent notes of gratitude for the cooperation and the high scientific-educational level of the trainings. These works are of regular nature.

20.04.2010

Trainings for the experts and the nursing staff

On the 20th of April 2010 by the initiative of the US embassy in the framework of INL program a course was organized with the subject ‘’Prevention of pollution and deterioration through chemical, physical and biological materials (evidence)’’ in the National Bureau of Expertises (instructor Linda B. Yankovski), in which the nursing staff and the experts of the relevant units of the organization participated. Based on the results of the participants’ knowledge assessment relevant certificates were given.

02.04.2010

The National Bureau of Expertises organized international seminar courses on the subject “The Use of Expertises by Law Enforcement and Judicial Authorities”

During the period from 22 March to 1 April 2010 the US Department of Justice, the American Bar Association and the National Bureau of Expertises organized international seminar courses on the subject “The Use of Expertises by Law Enforcement and Judicial Authorities”. The duration of the seminar-training was two days per circle. Four circles were held which were attended by 136 specialists, including prosecutors from RA General Prosecutor’s Office, chairmen and judges of general jurisdiction courts, prosecutors from RA Military Prosecutor’s Office, representatives of the Judicial Department, attorneys.

04.03.2010

A contract was signed between the National Bureau of Expertises and Yerevan State University

On the 4th of March 2010 a contract on scientific and educational cooperation was signed between the National Bureau of Expertises and Yerevan State University. Particularly, the contract provides cooperation in different professions in scientific research, scientific practical and educational spheres using the scientific educational and specialized laboratories of the two organizations, taking into account that on those specializations relevant forensic and non forensic expertises are performed in our country.

04.02.2010

A contract was signed between the National Bureau of Expertises and Yerevan State Architectural and Construction University

On the 4th of February 2010 a contract on scientific and educational cooperation was signed between the National Bureau of Expertises and Yerevan State Architectural and Construction University. Particularly, the contract provides cooperation in different professions in scientific research, scientific practical and educational spheres using the scientific educational and specialized laboratories of the two organizations, taking into account that on those specializations relevant forensic and non forensic expertises are performed in our country.

22.12.2009

Director of the National Bureau of Expertises A. S. Javadyan was awarded the honorary doctorate degree of Yerevan State Architectural and Construction University.

On the 22nd of December 2009 by the decision of the scientific counsel of Yerevan State Architectural and Construction University director of the National Bureau of Expertises A. S. Javadyan was awarded the honorary doctorate degree of Yerevan State Architectural and Construction University.

National Bureau of expertises administration and all employees CONGRATULATE Mr. Javadyan with his high calling and wish him further productive work activity and new achievements in the scientific educational sphere.

08.12.2009

The official opening of the second building of RA “National Bureau of Expertises”

On the 8th of December 2009 the official opening ceremony of the second building of RA “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit Organization took place. The official opening of the building was made by the U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Marie Yovanovich and the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia Aghvan Hovsepyan. The event was also attended by the Chief of Police under the Government Major-General A. Sargsyan, Minister of Justice G. Danielyan, President of the National Academy of Sciences, academician R. Martirosyan, Deputy Minister of Justice N. Arustamyan, Chief of International Legal Affairs Division of RA Prosecutor General’s Office N. Harutyunyan, Head of RA Ministry of Education and Science staff S. Minasyan, other high ranking U.S. Embassy and RA Government officials, dear guests.

The renovation project was implemented by the support of the USA Government, the engineering corps and the construction organization of the U.S. Army. With the aim of developing the expert industry in Armenia high security systems are located in the building, the laboratories are equipped with modern devices, equipment and necessary materials, working conditions correspond to international standards.

04.12.2009

The regular session of the Governing Council of RA “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit Organization took place

On the 4th of December 2009 the regular session of the Governing Counsel of RA “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit Organization took place. The session was attended by chairman of the counsel of RA “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit Organization E. Gabrielyan, members of the counsel H. Hunanyan, T. Hakobyan, N. Arustamyan. According to the requirements of paragraph 28 sub-paragraph JA of the statute of RA “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit Organization during the session director A. S. Javadyan submitted his report about the work implemented in the organization since the previous session which was approved by the members of the counsel and got high appraisal. A number of current problems were discussed and proposals were presented during the meeting for the further improvement of the implemented works.

04.12.2009

RA NAS “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit Organization’s training and educational department organized regular training courses abroad

During the period from November 9 to November 20 and from November 23 to December 4 RA NAS “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit Organization’s training and educational department organized and held training courses abroad for RA Ministry of Defense Gegharquniq region military units’ 122 competent officers responsible for obtaining initial data and authorized to appoint expertises. The heads of the relevant military units sent notes of gratitude for the cooperation and the high scientific-educational level of the trainings. These works are of regular nature.

19.10.2009

RA NAS “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit Organization was awarded the international standard certificate of compliance ISO 9001:2008 of quality management system

On 19 October 2009 the certifying body of the organization the Ministry of Economy “National Standards Institute” CJSC awarded the organization a certificate of compliance, which affirms that the services provided by the organization towards the embedded systems meet the requirements of international standards of ISO 9001:2008 “Quality management systems, requirements”.

09.10.2009

RA NAS “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit Organization’s training and educational department organized training courses abroad

Within the framework of the contract signed between RA NAS “National Bureau of Expertises” State non-profit Organization and the General Prosecutor’s Office during the period from September 18 to October 9 2009 the organization’s training and educational department organized and held training courses abroad for RA Ministry of Defense Syuniq region military units’ 90 competent officers responsible for obtaining initial data and authorized to appoint expertises. The heads of the relevant military units sent notes of gratitude for the cooperation and the high scientific-educational level of the trainings. These works are of regular nature.