By Diana Barbarić
In the latest paper published in ST Open, an open-access international scientific journal published by University of Split, a comprehensive historical and scientific review of developing one of today’s most important forensic methods has been presented: DNA identification of victims from mass graves. This research not only identifies victims but also reconstructs key moments from the early 1990s, clearly demonstrating that Croatia was among pioneers in the systematic application of this technology in wartime conditions.
Authors of the paper are reputable scientists and experts affiliated with University of Split’s Faculty of Forensic Sciences: Šimun Anđelinović, Dragan Primorac, Marija Definis, Arijana Vuko, Ivana Kružić, Željana Bašić, and Ivan Jerković.
International Collaboration and Recognition
Development of this method did not occur in isolation. Croatian scientists collaborated with leading American forensic experts, including Henry C. Lee, Michael Baden, Barbara Wolf, and Moses Schanfield. This cooperation facilitated the transfer of knowledge, technology, and methodology, as well as accelerated the development of identification systems.
Methods developed in Croatia continued to evolve over following decades. Advanced techniques such as STR analysis, mitochondrial DNA, and forensic genomics were introduced, significantly increasing the success rate of identification from initial 20-25% to around 85%. Today, the same methodological approaches are used worldwide in identifying victims of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other mass tragedies. The Croatian model has become foundation of the work of International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), which has identified tens of thousands of victims in the former Yugoslavia region.
A special role in developing this field was played by international scientific conferences held in Split, including the first congress organized by ISABS, led by Prof. Dragan Primorac Ph.D. and Prof. Šimun Anđelinović Ph.D. This gathering brought together leading global experts and permanently positioned Croatia as one of key centers of forensic genetics development. To date, the ISABS conference, co-organized with Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, has been held in Croatia for 29 years, with the participation of 6,500 scientists and 860 lecturers from 85 countries, including 10 Nobel laureates.
Photo: KBC Split
