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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 - 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 - 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 ISO17025 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 ISO17025 accredited forensic DNA laboratory is opened at Cellmark’s Chorley facility