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27 October 2004
The University of Strathclyde has appointed one of the UK's top forensic investigators to head up its world-renowned Forensic Science Unit.
Jim Fraser joins the Unit, which is in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, from Kent Police where he was Head of Forensic Investigation. Over the years he has worked on a number of high profile cases including that of Michael Stone, who was jailed for the murder of Lin and Megan Russell, and Robert Black, serving life for the murder of Susan Maxwell, Sarah Harper and Caroline Hogg. He has also been involved in the development of a UK policy for forensic science as well as setting standards for the competence of expert witnesses in trials.
Jim's role as Professor of Forensic Science and Director of the Forensic Science Unit, will be to help extend the strategy for leading-edge forensic research at Strathclyde and ensure that the teaching courses will continue to deliver graduates with the appropriate skills to enter the profession.
He said: Forensic science has become quite trendy with students over the last three or four years and there are over 300 courses now available in the UK. The reasons for its popularity are not completely clear, but probably include the perennial interest of the public in gore and the popularity of TV programmes like Silent Witness and CSI. There is little doubt that the word forensic attracts students and many universities are exploiting this.
However, Strathclyde is the leading provider of forensic science education in the UK and is recognised internationally. There are probably more graduates from Strathclyde working in forensic science laboratories across the world than from any other institution.
The Forensic Science Unit opened in 1967 and over the years has gathered a reputation for academic excellence as well as strong links with the profession. Our aim is to build on this and ensure our graduates leave with an education that is not only vocational, but at the cutting edge of forensic science practice.
Strathclyde's flagship MSc in Forensic Science is now backed by top-rated undergraduate courses in Forensic and Analytical Chemistry and Forensic Biology. A new course, Forensic Informatics, will help tackle computer fraud. As well as strong links with the police and the legal profession, the Unit also works closely with other areas of the University, such as law and computing.
Professor Dick Pethrick, Head of Pure and Applied Chemistry at Strathclyde, said: The unit has very significant knowledge of the fundamentals of forensic science and has, in fact, been instrumental in establishing some of these principles. Jim brings a wealth of practical experience of the application of forensic science to real life situations.
Jim, who is originally from Glasgow, has provided advice and consultancy to a range of organisations including the Home Office and police forces across the UK, with particular involvement in training police officers, crime scene investigators and forensic medical examiners.
He added: Forensic science is now central to the fight against crime and there are growing expectations on the part of the Government that it has a key part to play in the criminal justice system.
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