FSI:Genetics—A new journal dedicated to the scientific advancement of forensic genetics

Abstract

The introduction of FSI:Genetics is the result of a process which has started 20 years ago with the first original publications about the application of DNA fingerprinting in forensic casework and paternity testing. The stunning success and rapid scientific development of this technology has led to an unprecedented increase in the number of scientific publications in a relatively small field of biomedical research. The modest number of existing peer-reviewed journals has been flooded in the last years with submissions of high-quality manuscripts leading to an increase of publishing periods to almost 2 years after acceptance. The International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) has carefully observed this development. Already several years ago, the executive board has started to contact scientific publishers with the proposal to launch a new journal solely dedicated to the scientific advancement of forensic genetics. The board is therefore very glad that this project has now been brought to life with Elsevier Publishers as a strong partner in this field. As the name indicates, FSI:Genetics will be an ‘‘offspring’’ from the well-known journal ‘‘Forensic Science International’’, and the ISFG will assume the role of ‘‘godfather’’ to ensure a smooth and successful delivery. A supporting decision by the General Assembly of the ISFG at the 21st Congress in 2005 in Ponta Delgada has enabled the board to obtain an agreement with Elsevier Publishers that FSI:Genetics will be the official journal of the ISFG. Thus all members will have preferential access to the journal by receiving a complimentary subscription for both the printed copy and the online version as part of their membership fees. This will facilitate the communication within the society, as the