Leading forensic experts and law enforcement professionals recently gathered to find out how Teesside University could assist them with forensic science practice.
The University hosted an event at its Darlington campus tomorrow to explore ways in which academia and industry could work together in the field of Forensic and Crime Scene Science.
The event, entitled ‘Collaborative opportunities between Teesside University and industry - inspiring and creating a win-win situation’, has attracted delegates from across the country.
While the forensic market continues to develop within the public and private sectors, the event explored how Teesside University could work with police forces and the commercial sector to deliver cutting-edge crime scene science.
During the event participants sought to find out what police forces and companies needed from the University to help them with their work from education and training to research and Continued Professional Development.
Among the speakers were Dr Mark Pearse, Commercial Director of LGC Forensics, who focused on industry requirements for collaboration with the University.
Academics from the University also showcased their work, including forensic anthropologist Dr Tim Thompson, who talked about collaborative research including undergraduate and postgraduate student projects.
Knowledge Transfer Manager Dr Geoff Archer led a discussion on how to work with the Technology Strategy Board, the UK’s national innovation agency, to bring new products to market.
There were also talks on student placements and courses available for Continued Professional Development and Continued Professional Competence.
Teesside University already has an excellent reputation in forensic and CSI and boasts some of the best facilities in Europe for teaching crime scene science.
In addition, Brian Rankin, Head of Teesside University’s Centre for Forensic Investigation, who chaired the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education board which set the benchmark statement for forensic science education led a panel session to explore the way ahead.
Brian said: “The forensic industry has gone through huge changes in the last 10 years and as a result there is a greater requirement and opportunity for universities and industry to collaborate. This event gave us the opportunity to exchange information to see how we could work together going forward. It also demonstrated to people, who might not be aware of Teesside, what we could offer and what we could be doing better.