Learn more about
DNA-ProKIDS
DNA-ProKIDS is a project aimed at combating child trafficking through the genetic identification of victims to reunite them with their families who are searching for them.
In 2004, the Genetic Identification Laboratory (LABIGEN) of the University of Granada (Department of Legal Medicine) proposed the possibility of creating this project in order to carry out studies not only within countries but also to combat trafficking in a regional, national, and international context, applying it worldwide to fight the international trafficking of human beings.
Vision
To ensure that all countries in the world are protected against children trafficking by ensuring identification.
Mission
To create the necessary databases and infrastructure so that no child becomes an easy victim of illegal procedures and exploitation due to the lack of identity.
Our mission has four parallel aspects:
FIRST: REUNIFICATION
To identify victims and return them to their families (reunification).
SECOND: PREVENTION
To hinder child trafficking, including illegal adoptions, through the proper identification of victims.
THIRD: AWARENESS
To make families of victims and authorities aware that it is possible to identify and return a kidnapped child to their family.
FOURTH: COOPERATION
To gather information about the origins, routes, and means used in the commission of these crimes, which is essential for the work of law enforcement and judicial authorities.
DNA-ProKids objectives
⇒ To identify and reunite missing children with their families by comparing their DNA with that of the families of missing children.
⇒ To combat illegal adoptions by verifying if the people giving up a child for adoption are the true biological relatives (mother, father, grandparents) within the legal framework of each country, in order to prevent children from kidnappings, thefts, or trafficking from being given up for allegedly legal adoptions.
⇒ To study and implement improvements to the police and judicial systems worldwide to more effectively combat human trafficking, particularly of children and women.
⇒ To promote systematic and automatic international cooperation through data comparison in national and international contexts.
⇒ To analyze and propose an international legislative framework to address this issue.
⇒ To evaluate and attempt to resolve social and communication problems that hinder a more effective fight against human trafficking.
⇒ To offer collaboration for the coordination and training of specialists in different countries in identification techniques.
Who is behind DNA-ProKids?
Dr. José A. Lorente
M.D., Ph.D. Founder and Director of DNA-PROKIDS
José Antonio Lorente is a physician driven by a deep commitment to using science for the greater good. Inspired by his father, a local doctor in the province of Almería, Spain, José Antonio has dedicated his career to helping those in need through medical innovation and forensic science. As a Professor of Legal and Forensic Medicine at the University of Granada, he has spearheaded initiatives that have positively impacted thousands of lives.
His academic journey began at the University of Granada, where he earned his degree in Medicine and Surgery in 1985, followed by a PhD in Medicine in 1989, receiving the prestigious Doctoral Award of Excellence. He pursued post-doctoral research in forensic genetics at the Universities of Heidelberg and Muenster, before continuing his training at the FBI Academy (Quantico, Virginia) and the University of California, Berkeley, where he developed a focus on genetic identification and its role in solving global humanitarian crises.
In 2006, José Antonio co-founded the Pfizer – University of Granada – Andalusian Government Center for Genomics and Oncology Research (GENYO), a world-class institution in genomic research. He led the center as director from 2008 to 2024, contributing to some of the most significant advancements in personalized medicine and genomics.
In 2004, he established DNA-PROKIDS, a pioneering genetic identification program for missing children, which has helped reunite more than 3,500 children with their families across 16 countries. This program reflects his unwavering commitment to applying scientific expertise to combat child trafficking and illegal adoptions worldwide.
His work also includes the development of other groundbreaking programs, such as the FÉNIX program for the identification of missing persons, and DNA-ProORGAN, aimed at preventing illegal organ trafficking. He has published over 150 scientific papers and has given more than 360 lectures in 35 countries, consistently advocating for the role of science in advancing social justice.
José Antonio continues to lead DNA-PROKIDS with a clear mission: to protect the most vulnerable and harness the power of science to serve humanity.
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