The Current System of Advanced Degree Training in the Field of Forensic Science in the Republic of Belarus
The article looks at the current state and development prospects of training forensic scientists in the Republic of Belarus. Presented is a system of retraining in expert specialties, organized on the basis of nationwide educational standards in accordance with a unified approach to the formation of forensic experts’ professional competencies. New fields of research are discussed, as well as the organization of a unified system for developing, testing and implementing forensic techniques. Arguments are made in favor of distinguishing “forensic science activity” as an independent scientific specialty, since its absence obstructs the acceptance of candidate theses in this field of science. Introduction of the specialty 12.00.12 “Forensic Expert Activity” will promote the development of forensic expert research technologies and contribute to the implementation of specialized training of highly qualified scientific personnel in the Republic of Belarus. Problems with the organization of master’s degree programs are identified, and the need to create specialized dissertation councils for the specialty “forensic expert activity” with the involvement of foreign scientists is demonstrated.