Board of Trustees

President & Co-Founder

Eryk Jan Grzeszkowiak is a Polish forensic investigative genetic genealogist based in Scotland and one of the first accredited investigative genetic genealogists. He brings over a decade of experience in genetic genealogy and more than two decades in traditional genealogy. With a formal background in quantitative human genetics, he has lectured in genetics and genetic genealogy at four universities across Europe and is a frequent speaker at conferences in both Europe and America.

Eryk has designed multiple genetic genealogy exams, including the entrance exam for the DNA Doe Project’s highly competitive practicum programme; he also served as the Exam Director at the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Accreditation Board in the US. At the DNA Doe Project, he is a Team Leader and co-leads the education department as a Research and Curriculum Development Specialist – conducting research and training the next generation of forensic investigative genetic genealogists.

In addition to his forensic, scientific and educational roles, Eryk has extensive experience in the non-profit sector, having worked with five non-profit organisations and served on the boards of two. His leadership and service reflect a longstanding commitment to advancing public benefit through education, research, and community engagement.

Alexander Alberts-Dakash is an experienced genetic genealogist, software developer as well as a professional private investigator based in Germany. He is the founder of the Detektei für DNA-Genealogie und Familiensuche which offers services in both genetic genealogy and forensic investigative genetic genealogy. His work has been featured in television documentaries and widely recognised publications across the German-speaking world, reflecting his commitment to public education in the field of genetic genealogy.

Alexander brings to his investigative and genealogical work a multidisciplinary academic background in the humanities, social sciences, computer science and several languages. Over the past decade, he has developed analytical models and research strategies tailored to the European data and privacy landscape. In addition to his professional practice, Alexander has over fifteen years of experience as a university researcher and lecturer.

Treasurer & Co-Founder

Matthew Waterfield was one of the first forensic investigative genetic genealogists in Europe, with over five years of experience as a FIGG practitioner. As an Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogist (AIGG) – one of the first globally to receive this accreditation – Matthew brings a deep commitment to both professional standards and the ethical advancement of the field to SoFIGG.

As the founder of Silverwell Research, Matthew provides FIGG services to law enforcement agencies worldwide. Through this work, he contributed to the landmark identification of Michael Sidney Hill, the first British national identified through FIGG. He is also a longtime volunteer with the DNA Doe Project, where he has successfully led a number of unidentified human remains cases to resolution. Examples of this include the identifications of Dottie Lees (Florence Junction Jane Doe 1988), Shelly Rae Kephart (Matilda Doe 1994), and Rea Rasmussen (Bear Brook Jane Doe 2000).

In addition to his casework, Matthew is dedicated to enabling and promoting the advancement of this field in Europe. He serves as an Associate Lecturer in Investigative Genetic Genealogy at Sheffield Hallam University and is a prominent advocate for the adoption of FIGG across Europe and beyond.