1987
Abingdon laboratory opened by ICI on 1 June 1987
A Proud History
The world's first private DNA fingerprinting company
In 1986, through an agreement with the Lister Institute, ICI obtained the exclusive rights to the DNA fingerprinting technology discovered by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys. Cellmark was established to develop and apply the Jeffreys’ RFLP DNA technology to forensic analysis and relationship testing. From these historic beginnings, Cellmark has grown a successful international business and established itself as a leading provider of forensic casework and DNA services.
1987
Cellmark scientists presented the first DNA evidence at the Old Bailey
1988
Cellmark laboratory opened in Germantown, Maryland US
1989
The first DNA evidence in Australia is presented by a Cellmark scientist
1990
Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement awarded to Cellmark
1990
Cellmark receives Quality Accreditation to BS 5750
1990
Non-isotopic probes for DNA profiling launched and sold around the world
1992
Forensic DNA testing provided for Scottish and Irish Police forces in early 1990s
1995
Cellmark US scientists present evidence in the OJ Simpson trial
1998
Partnership with Forensic Alliance launched to deliver Cellmark’s DNA services to UK Police forces
1998
Accreditation received to load profiles to the UK National DNA Database
2000
Cellmark becomes first UK forensic laboratory accredited to ISO 17025
2001
Orchid BioSciences, Inc., a leading DNA technology developer buys Cellmark
2003
First contract awarded by the Metropolitan Police
2006
Cellmark directly wins DNA contracts with Kent and Sussex Police
2006
Development and launch of forensic casework services
2008
Significant award from the first police framework procurement (NW/SW & Wales tender)
2009
New forensic laboratory opened by Cellmark in Chorley, Lancashire
2010
ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification achieved
2011
Cellmark bought by LabCorp, forming the largest independent DNA profiling company in the world
2011
Significant awards of forensic work as the Government’s Forensic Science Service closes
2012
Cellmark achieves certification to ISO 27001 (Information Security)
2012
Cellmark becomes the first UK organisation to be accredited to ISO 17020 for crime scene attendance
2012
Cellmark awarded forensic DNA contract by the Metropolitan Police
2013
Accredited to the Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes of Practice and Conduct
2015
Launch of Cellmark's in-house forensic toxicology service
2015
The first toxicology laboratory to be fully accredited for testing under the 2015 drug-driving legislation
2016
Cellmark Training Services achieves ISO 9001 certification
2018
The opening of the first ISO 17025 accredited forensic supplier DNA lab within a police force, at the Nottingham Arrow Centre
2018
Cellmark becomes UK owned following a Management Buy Out
2019
A new ISO 17025 accredited forensic DNA laboratory is opened at Cellmark’s Chorley facility
2020
Launch of COVID-19 testing service in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
2021
Launch of UK’s first ISO17025 accredited forensic next-generation sequencing service.
2023
Successful transition to the new Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice.
2024
Cellmark is acquired by Eurofins Forensics Lux Holding Sarl.