FEXIN

In the innovation program “CBRNE Forensics” the NFI develops new technology and methodology for crime scene and forensic investigations after incidents or terrorist attacks involving explosives, biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear agents or a combination thereof. The NFI is currently coordinating the FP7 GIFT project in which it develops a European forensic CBRN toolbox with 20 consortium partners. Recently, the NFI together with TNO and the University of Amsterdam initiated the FEXIN project to further develop an explosives intelligence approach to use forensic science to provide information to prevent or obstruct terrorist attacks involving explosives. The FEXIN project is funded through the Internal Security Fund of the EU. The Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) is housed in state-of-the art, purpose-built premises in The Hague, the Netherlands. The main structure accommodates modern laboratories (8,000 m2), a shooting range for firearms tests, autopsy rooms, ample office space, a lecture theatre and conference hall, meeting rooms, and a restaurant. For pre and post explosives investigations the NFI employs various analytical techniques including Infrared (IR) and Raman Spectroscopy, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Diffraction (XRD) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Ion Chromatography with Conductivity (IC) and Mass Spectrometric (IC-MS) Detection, Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometric Detection (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS).