Foster + Freeman is proud to celebrate the official opening of a new, state-of-the-art Forensic Centre of Excellence in Amman, established and owned by our valued partner and distributor, Al Faiha Laboratory & Scientific Supplies.

The facility was formally inaugurated by Philip Hall OBE, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Jordan, marking a significant milestone in Al Faiha’s 37-year history of advancing scientific capabilities within the Kingdom. The ceremony was attended by senior delegations and laboratory directors from across the Arab region, including representatives from Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Iraq, and Bahrain.

A Premier Regional Training Hub

While Al Faiha has spearheaded the development and ownership of this ambitious project, Foster + Freeman is honoured that our British-manufactured technology has been selected as the technical cornerstone of the laboratory. The facility will now serve as a vital regional reference point, allowing customers from across the Middle East to access world-class forensic training and technology locally.

The laboratory features a comprehensive suite of Foster + Freeman’s leading systems, including:

• Document Examination: The VSC (Video Spectral Comparator) series for scrutinising questioned documents.
  
• Fingerprint Detection: Advanced fingerprint development and visualisation systems for the enhancement of latent prints.
  
• Trace Analysis: Specialist equipment for the elemental analysis of glass, fibres, and gunshot residues.

Strategic Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer

The establishment of this facility by Al Faiha creates a modern forensic ecosystem built around three core objectives:

• Localised Expertise: Enabling regional agencies to access UK-developed forensic methods and training within Jordan, overcoming logistical and travel barriers.
  
• Capacity Building: Strengthening the technical skills of forensic practitioners through hands-on engagement with integrated laboratory platforms.
  
• Regional Collaboration: Positioning Amman as a central hub for scientific excellence and security cooperation across the Middle East.

A Testament to a Strong Partnership

During the event, guests toured the new laboratory to witness live technical demonstrations of the scientific methods now available to the region’s law enforcement and intelligence communities. The facility has already garnered significant interest, with follow-up visits agreed upon with delegations from Iraq, Libya, and Syria.

In attendance at the laboratory opening, Darren Corbett, Director of Partnerships at Foster + Freeman said:

“We wish to extend our warmest congratulations to the entire team at Al Faiha for the successful completion of this world-class facility. Their commitment to technology transfer and sustainable scientific impact is truly commendable. It is a privilege to see Foster + Freeman technology integrated into such a high-calibre environment, and we look forward to supporting Al Faiha as they train the next generation of forensic experts in the region.”

Research & Innovation
The collaboration strengthens regional research efforts by opening up opportunities for research sharing between the CSI ELMU Research Platform and Foster+Freeman’s latest forensic systems. By facilitating joint workshops, seminars, and conferences, the partnership aims to meet evolving criminal threats through collective scientific advancement.

The Forensic Centre of Excellence stands as a testament to Al Faiha’s vision and the enduring strength of the UK–Jordan scientific partnership.