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 - Abingdon laboratory opened by ICI on 1 June 1987
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 – 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
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Email: info@cellmarkforensics.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1235 528609
ABOUT CELLMARK
From presenting the first DNA evidence at the Old Bailey in 1987 to pushing the boundaries of sensitivity in numerous high profile forensic cases, our innovative analytical work has established our reputation for quality and scientific excellence.
