Forensic experts to explore partnership opportunities with Teesside University

Leading forensic experts and law enforcement professionals are gathering to find out how Teesside University can assist them with forensic science practice

The University is hosting an event at its Darlington campus tomorrow (Wednesday, 9 April) to explore ways in which academia and industry can 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 will explore how Teesside University can work with police forces and the commercial sector to deliver cutting-edge crime scene science.

It will also find out what police forces and companies need from the University to help them with their work from education and training to research and Continued Professional Development.

Among the speakers will be Dr Mark Pearse, Commercial Director of LGC Forensics, who will focus on industry requirements for collaboration with the University.

Academics from the University will also be showcasing their work, including forensic anthropologist Dr Tim Thompson, who will talk about collaborative research including undergraduate and postgraduate student projects.

Knowledge Transfer Manager Dr Geoff Archer will lead a discussion on how to work with the Technology Strategy Board, the UK’s national innovation agency, to bring new products to market.

There will also be 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 will lead 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 will give us the opportunity to exchange information to see how we can work together going forward.

'It will also demonstrate to people, who might not be aware of Teesside, what we can offer and what we could be doing better.

'This is the first time we’ve run an event like this and it’s proving to be very popular with delegates coming from all over the country and right across the spectrum of forensic science.'

Following the event, there will be a steering group meeting of the Technology Strategy Board’s special interest group for forensic science research and development and innovation.

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