Forensic Science Ireland Eolaíocht Fhóiréinseach Éireann
Science Supporting Justice
Forensic Science Ireland is a knowledge based organisation and the expertise of the staff is its most valuable attribute. Its functioning is an excellent example of the practical application of science in Ireland. Our staff, many of whom hold M.Sc. and Ph.D. qualifications in Chemical and Biological Sciences, work to use science in the investigation of crime.
The nature of Science results in ongoing change and there is a lot of emphasis on ongoing education and development. This is vital in ensuring that the Criminal Justice system has the benefit of International best practice
Chris Enright is a native of Dublin and joined FSI in January 2018. Chris has spent most of his professional career in the private sector. He worked in the ICT sector for over 21 years, in a variety of technology, engineering and leadership roles in the US, Spain and Ireland. Most recently he was the R&D Director for HP’s Inkjet Business in Leixlip. Prior to joining HP, Chris worked in the pharmaceutical industry in Cork. He holds a BSc in Chemistry and Physics, a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management and a Master’s Degree in Business Studies.
He carries a number of post-graduate diplomas in strategy, innovation, marketing and organisation development and is a Chartered Engineer within Engineers Ireland and a PMP member. Chris will focus on building on the excellent progress made in recent years towards a best-in-class forensic organisation.
(Brid) Martina McBride is Director of Science and Development at FSI.
Dr. McBride holds a degree in Microbiology and a Ph.D. in Microbial Genetics from University College Galway. She has a post graduate diploma in Management for Scientists and Engineers from Trinity College Dublin and a postgraduate diploma in Change management awarded by UCC (IMI).
Following post-doctoral research in NUI Maynooth she joined Forensic Science Ireland in 1990. She worked as a Forensic Biologist and then in the DNA area. She worked in and managed Sexual assault, Volume crime and Serious crime teams. She was also manager of the Chemistry Section for 2 years. She has been involved in and given evidence in many high profile cases through the years.
In the past she has been a member and the Chairperson of the Body Fluid Forum (BFF) which is a UK and Irish research and development group. She now sits on the European network of Forensic Science (ENFSI) Research and Development committee.
She was appointed as Director of Science and Development in FSI in 2019. She is responsible for accreditation and quality and her role also involves driving innovation and research and development in FSI.
Dr. Geraldine O’Donnell, a native of Donegal joined Forensic Science Ireland in February 1992 having completed her undergraduate studies in University College Galway and postgraduate studies in University College Galway, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas and University College Dublin.
She is also holder of a masters degree in governance from University College Dublin, an ACCA certified diploma in accounting and finance and diplomas in management and environmental engineering from Trinity College Dublin.
She began her career in the Biology Section of FSI transferring subsequently into the DNA Section where she was central to the establishment of the DNA profiling service in Ireland. In 2007 she was appointed Quality Manager for FSI and in 2015 was appointed Deputy Director in DNA where she has overseen the introduction of the National DNA database of which Forensic Science Ireland is custodian. She has also responsibility for DNA operations and casework.
Dr. Dorothy Ramsbottom graduated in 1994 from RCSI with a PhD in Molecular Biology. Having completed postdoctoral research fellowships in Toulouse and in Trinity College Dublin, she joined Forensic Science Ireland in 1996.
Following her training as a forensic biologist she developed DNA profiling at FSI from its introduction into routine casework in 1998 through to the accreditation of the process in 2002. She has given evidence in a number of major trials relating to fatal assaults and body identifications. In 2008 she was appointed Serious Crime Team Manager, in 2015 became Customer Liaison Manager and was then appointed DNA Development and Cold Case Manager overseeing the introduction of new technologies at FSI while evaluating their use in the reinvestigation of Cold Cases.
She has been the Irish representative on the DNA Specialist group which advises the UK Forensic Regulator on DNA policy and on the DNA working group of Association of Forensic Science Providers. In January 2022, she was appointed Director of Corporate Services, with responsibilities including IT, customer service and oversight agreements. She also has responsibility for FSI’s obligations under the Freedom of Information Acts and serves as Data Protection Officer.
Dr Dyan Daly, B.Sc., Ph.D., graduated from Ulster University in 1991 with an honours degree in Biological Sciences and in 1996 with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. She commenced her post-doctoral career at the National University of Ireland, Galway where she worked on the development of molecular techniques for the detection of pathogens in food and water. This post included a secondment to the U.S Department of Defence, Washington D.C. In 1998, Dr Daly was employed as a research officer in the food safety department of Teagasc, The National Food Centre, Dublin. There she worked on an EU funded project to enhance the safety of Irish beef from BSE.
In 2001, Dr Daly joined Forensic Science Ireland where she has worked on the detection of body fluids, damage analysis, blood pattern analysis and DNA profiling. She has attended at crime scene investigations and testified as an expert witness in criminal trials. Since 2010 she has worked to prepare the laboratory for the DNA Database and in 2015 was appointed the first DNA Database Team manager. In 2018, she was appointed to the position of Director of Physical Analysis.
Dr. Yvonne Kavanagh joined Forensic Science Ireland in November 2018. She completed her Chemistry undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Trinity College Dublin, where she also spent a year as a chemistry lecturer. After completing postdoctoral research in Deakin University, Victoria, Yvonne joined the State Laboratory in 2004 where her initial role involved analysis of HPRA seized medicinal products. In 2008 she moved into the area of postmortem toxicology, which provides an analytical and advisory service to the Irish Coroners Service, taking over as section manager in 2013. She is an elected UKIAFT council member and also a member of TIAFT.
In November 2018 she was appointed as FSI’s Director of Chemical Analysis with overall responsibility for the Drug and Toxicology disciplines. She also has responsibility for Health and Safety.