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2 March 2005
The new Centre for Fornsic Science at the University of Strathclyde will build on the Universitys international reputation in forensic science and will provide a comprehensive range of educational, research and consultancy services to laboratories, police forces and other agencies.
Professor Jim Fraser, Director of the Centre, said: Forensic science is expanding and becoming increasingly important both as an area of study and to the criminal justice system. Changes in technology have led to many cold cases being solved after 20 years and the police and courts are increasingly demanding more objective evidence.
Legislative changes, such as the creation of national DNA databases, have increased the potential for forensic science and more sophisticated equipment and training is needed to fight terrorism, as well as the increasing use of computers for fraud and paedophilia.
Strathclyde is one of the UKs oldest providers of postgraduate education in Forensic Science. As well as training students from across the world, police, scientists and lawyers have also tapped into the Universitys expertise in a wide range of specialist areas including DNA and fire investigation.
Professor Fraser continued: The Centre will be unique thanks to the experience of its staff, most of whom combine teaching, research, casework and professional activities. It will also be the only source of independent forensic science to the criminal justice system from experts based in Scotland.
Forensic science education has become quite trendy with 401 degrees all with forensic in their title. However, the Parliamentary select committee on forensic science recently used Strathclyde as an example of excellence because not only do our courses have a strong science component, we work closely with the police and the judiciary.
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