NFSU Forensic Hackathon, Symposium & All India Forensic Science Summit: Innovating Crime Investigation & Storytelling
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
1 March 2025 6:42 AM
The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) is dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and education in forensic sciences and allied disciplines. With its commitment to fostering indigenous technology and aligning with the vision of the 'Make in India' mission, NFSU plays a role in promoting research and development. The university fosters innovation by connecting diverse sectors and creating solutions that align with India's evolving forensic and technological needs.
HACKATHON
In line with its vision and India's growing position as a global hub for innovation, NFSU announces the Forensic Hackathon scheduled for March 21, 2025. India has the 3rd largest start-up ecosystem in the world, with around 20,000 start-ups, 4,750 of which are technology-led. This impressive status is bolstered by a range of government initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission, PM Research Fellowships, Start-up India Abhiyaan, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and the SAMRIDHI scheme, which play a crucial role in positioning India at the forefront of innovation.
This event aims to catalyse positive transformations in crime investigation practices by promoting competition and collaboration among key stakeholders, including Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories, Academic Institutions, and Industries engaged in forensic tool analysis and manufacturing. By uniting these diverse participants, the Forensic Hackathon aspires to generate innovative solutions and enhance the effectiveness of forensic science in tackling contemporary challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and enhancing the criminal justice system.
Objectives of the hackathon
- To understand the real-time challenges faced by forensic experts and law enforcement agencies in the context of the new criminal laws and technological advancements during scientific investigations of crimes
- To develop next-generation methodologies and products that leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance crime investigation processes.
- To connect, create partnerships and identify technology-driven companies and start-ups interested in manufacturing advanced tools and technologies for forensic investigation to create innovative solutions.
- To inspire and engage students in competitive spirit to showcase their innovative ideas into practical, indigenous tools for criminal investigations that aligns with the latest technological trends and new legal requirements.
Major themes
I. Forensic Biological Sciences:
a. On the spot identification of source of biological fluids (saliva, semen, urine etc.)
b. Exact age estimation of a person.
c. Development of kits for age estimation of biological fluids for forensic application.
d. Development of X-STR/Y-STR/Autosomal Kits indigenously.
e. Portable DNA Analysis Devices.
f. Development of cost effective and reliable instruments particularly for crime against women.
g. Development of Forensic Microbial Profiling for Body Fluid Identification.
h. DNA methylation analysis device for individual identification.
i. Identifying Multiple Individuals from Mixed DNA Samples.
j. Metagenomic Profiling for Environmental Forensics.
II. Forensic Chemical Sciences:
a. Methods for detection of metabolites of drugs (including spurious drugs/ date rape drugs/ club drugs) and poisons of forensic concerns
b. Detection strategies for Arson residues and accelerant identification
c. Rapid tests for detection of explosive residues from explosive scenes, warfare, terrorism activities, etc.
d. Novel methods for detection of adulterants and contaminants from medicines and food commodities.
e. Cyber-toxicology integrative strategies for countering mass poisoning cases
f. Methods for detection of Poisons and contaminants of emerging concerns from biological fluids/environment
g. Kits for rapid identification of animal/plant poisons from environment/ biological fluids
h. Development of android based image processing mobile application for determination of geographic origin of drugs of abuse based on intermediate reaction reagents & adulterants residues.
III. Forensic Electronics/Physics:
a. Development of mobile phones event log analysis tool
b. Tool to identify the second party IP address in the WhatsApp call using IPDR analysis
c. Tool Geo identification of SIM card in VoIP calls and messages
d. Tool CCTV image enhancement using AIML technology
e. Tools for the Identification of deepfake images and videos
f. Capturing and data retrieval from rouge drones
g. Development of software for recovery of overwritten/deleted files from CCTV/DVR/ Hard Disk.
h. Computerized approach for decrypting data from encrypted disk partition.
IV. Forensic Psychology:
a. Neuro-Psycho-Behavioral profiling of criminals Assessment of criminal behavior and its future predictability.
b. Police/Army Psychology: Recruitment, their stress management and intervention.
c. Rehabilitation modules for Juveniles.
d. Prison Psychology: Development of Counseling, intervention, coping skills and improving subjective well-being training and rehabilitation program for prisoners/Jailor/relatives of prisoners.
e. Psychological Challenges in Schools/Colleges: For prediction of violent behavior among students, suicidal tendencies, bullying in children.
f. Challenges for NGOs: Counselling and to develop rehabilitative modules for victims of domestic violence and rape, child rights, child custody, divorce cases etc.
The proposed forensic technology should be indigenously developed, which could be effectively used in the field of forensic science and must be in connection with the new criminal laws. However, more emphasis will be given to those technologies which gives advanced information that is not available currently. These cutting-edged-indigenously developed 'Make In India' proposals will be thoroughly vetted to ensure that they become accepted by leaders in the concerned field.
Participation Details:
- Students from all over India.
- Professionals (Forensic Scientists, Technocrats, Police, Judiciary, Potential Entrepreneurs) based in India.
Team Composition: Maximum 2-3 members in a team.
- The team of 'students' should include at-least one currently enrolled student in an educational institution of India.
- The team of 'professionals' should include at-least one currently employed or associated person with any governmental or private organisation based in India.
- There can be a team comprised of both student(s) and professional(s) but one of them should be a currently enrolled student or a currently employed professional.
Registration Fee
PER TEAM ₹ 1,000 /-
Registration Fees Includes:
- Welcome kit.
- Free participation in all sessions, coffee breaks and working lunch during the conference event.
Important Dates:
- Last Date for Registration: March 15, 2025
- Last Date for Submission of Proposal: March 10, 2025
- Acceptance of Proposal: March 12, 2025
- Presentation of Proposal: March 21, 2025
- Declaration of result: March 22, 2025
Funding:
Seed money to 1st Spot winner: Rs. 2,00,000 /-
For more details see the brochure here
SYMPOSIUM ON FILM FORENSICS
Recognizing the growing influence of media and cinema in shaping public perceptions of crime and justice, NFSU strives to create a platform where forensic experts, filmmakers, and students can engage in dialogue. By facilitating partnerships between academic institutions and the entertainment industry, NFSU aims to showcase research, education, and the reality of forensic sciences through scientifically accurate and compelling storytelling that does justice to both cinema and science. The Symposium on Film Forensics 2025 is an event exploring the intersection of forensic science, crime investigation, and cinematic storytelling. This festival brings together renowned forensic experts, filmmakers, students, and crime enthusiasts for an experience that educates, entertains, and inspires. Through screenings, panels, workshops, and interactive activities, you'll gain a deeper understanding of forensic techniques and their portrayal in films and media. This blend of artistic inspiration and technical expertise results in music that can evoke a wide range of emotions and tell stories without words.
Objectives
- To create a platform for dialogue and collaboration between forensic experts, filmmakers, and students, bridging the gap between science and cinematic storytelling.
- To educate attendees on the accurate application of forensic science techniques in crime investigation, cyber-crimes, digital forensics, and their authentic representation in films and media.
- To inspire participants through competitions like short film making and film forensics quiz, encouraging innovative ways to depict crime, forensic science, cybersecurity challenges, and piracy prevention in crime storytelling.
- To explore the intersection of forensic science and cinema as a means of raising public interest in crime-solving and scientific methods.
- To connect academic institutions with the entertainment industry, fostering partnerships for research, education, and innovation in forensic sciences and multimedia forensics.
Who will be present?
The Symposium on Film Forensics will feature filmmakers, directors, producers, forensic scientists, criminologists, legal professionals, law enforcement officers, and policymakers, along with industry leaders, academic scholars, and representatives from forensic institutions worldwide. This platform facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting cinema with forensic science to enhance criminal investigation, and justice through cinematic storytelling.
Why you should attend?
Films shape public understanding, and forensic science ensures justice—bridging these two worlds is the need of the hour. This symposium provides a platform for filmmakers and forensic experts to collaborate, ensuring scientific accuracy in films and enhancing the real-world impact of forensic science through media. Beyond insights, the event fosters cross-industry networking, bringing together storytellers and scientists, paving the way for future collaborations between the two domains.
About the various events
1. Panel discussion - The discussions will highlight the influence of cinema in educating and inspiring audiences about the role of forensic science in solving crimes.
Key themes explored at the panel discussion include:
a) Forensic Psychology: Decoding Criminal Minds – Understanding human behavior and its role in criminal investigations.
b) Forensic Medicos: Unveiling Truth Through Science – Exploring forensic pathology, toxicology, and DNA analysis in crime-solving.
c) Forensic Storytelling: Science Meets Cinema – Examining how storytelling and forensic science merge in films.
d) Piracy: Protecting Creativity in the Digital Age – Addressing film piracy, its economic impact, and legal frameworks.
e) Multimedia Forensics: Authenticating Digital Evidence – Detecting deepfakes, verifying digital content, and analyzing media manipulation.
f) Cybersecurity Issues in Films: Safeguarding Digital Content – Exploring digital threats in the film industry and protective forensic tools.
2. Short Film Competition - This creative challenge encourages budding filmmakers to craft compelling narratives inspired by forensic science.
3. Film Forensics Quiz - Engage in a dynamic quiz that challenges your knowledge of forensic science as seen in films and TV shows.
Date: 21st March, 2025
Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
For more details please see the Short Film Guidelines & Brochure
Visit the official symposium website here - aifsc.nfsu.ac.in
ALL INDIA FORENSIC SCIENCE SUMMIT
The All India Forensic Science Summit (AIFSS) 2025 on the “Role of Forensic Science in effective Implementation of New Criminal Laws and Combating Terrorism” is being organised by the National Forensic Sciences University under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The summit is rooted in the growing necessity of forensic science within the criminal justice system, particularly in light of new criminal laws and the fight against terrorism. Forensic science is a significant component of contemporary investigative procedures as it adeptly combines scientific precision with legal examination. Yet, India continues to face considerable challenges in the growth and standardisation of forensic infrastructure and its application in forensic evidence before the courts of law. This reality underscores the need for a forum where experts come together to share intellectual dialogue to develop policy, introduce collaborative strategies, shape futuristic policies and secure joint solutions.
In recent decades, the crime patterns in India have significantly evolved, due to the ever increasing technological advancements and cross border- cartel operations. The crime activity in India have not only diversified in the severity of the crime, but also in various other domains such as that of digital crimes, cybercrimes, organized crimes, terrorism related crimes, systematic economic offences which transcend the geographical boundary of the country. In such sphere, the increase in the terrorism related cases pose a critical challenge, with terrorism groups employing advanced technologies, encrypted communications, sophisticated financial networking to execute the terrorist activities within the country. They increasingly use the cyberspace for the planning and execution of their immoral intentions.
This changing criminal conduct necessitates a robust forensic capability in the country which could go beyond the traditional forensic and investigative frameworks. In response, the introduction of the new criminal laws, i.e., the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, marks a significant shift towards a legal framework that aligns more closely with the evolving needs of forensic professionals and law enforcement. These laws recognize emerging forms of modern crimes and establish legal provisions to combat them, creating a framework that is inherently connected to advancements in forensic science, thereby equipping the criminal justice system to effectively prosecute contemporary crimes.
The objectives of the summit extend beyond mere discussion. It aims to establish a strategic framework for advancing the future of forensic science capacity in India, especially in the sphere of combating terrorism in light of the new criminal laws. There is a pressing need to modernise and standardise forensic procedures, in order to secure uniform implementation to tackle terrorist activities in line with the international standards. At present, the forensic laboratories can significantly enhance their capabilities through strategic investment in modern technologically driven infrastructure, standardising forensic equipment across the nation, and by streamlining workflow management. The new criminal laws introduce robust investigative procedures that emphasize the integration of advance forensic techniques, such as digital forensics, data analytics, and real-time surveillance, which are essential for effectively addressing terrorism- related crimes. These new criminal laws also leverage cutting- edge forensic methodologies in the advanced investigative procedures to trace digital footprints and communication patterns, thereby improving the ability to gather and analyze evidence. By adopting these modern investigative procedures, the justice system will be better equipped to respond to the complexities of contemporary terrorism, ensuring a more effective and efficient approach to prosecution and prevention.
The AIFSS aims to evaluate the challenges that lie at the intersection of forensic science and the legal system. By a high-level engagement, the AIFSS aims to enhance the forensic capabilities, promote awareness within the judiciary in order to ensure that the robust pillar of truth and justice stands well together while addressing the unique challenges posed by the terrorist activities. This summit will see a confluence of expertise with a dialogical approach to lay the foundation for a more efficient, effective, reliable and a more standardised forensic justice system in India. This will eventually strengthen and empower the criminal justice system with a more resilient, responsive and a future ready justice system, eventually able to counter the modern tactics of the terrorist organisations.
SUMMIT OBJECTIVES
The All India Forensic Science Summit 2025 is being organized with the overarching objective of fostering an integrated, future-ready criminal justice system that harmonizes the critical interplay between forensic science and legal framework in the scheme of terrorist related activities. In a time of advanced terrorist complexity, technological advancements, and in the era of new criminal laws, the summit seeks to address the pressing need for a multidisciplinary approach that brings together forensic experts, legal practitioners, law enforcement officials, policymakers, academics and futuristic students.
- Align Forensic Techniques with New Criminal Laws: The summit will look into the integration of the new investigative procedures as per the new criminal laws and its integration with advanced forensic investigative procedures.
- Enhance Legal Framework for Forensic Evidence: Summit aims to discuss and deliberate the issues arising in the legal proceedings by establishing clear guidelines and laying down standards in alignment with the new criminal laws.
- Strengthen Investigative Capabilities Against Terrorism: The summit shall develop and aim to implement advance forensic techniques used in the investigation of terrorism-related crimes
- Promote Collaboration Among Stakeholders: Summit will strengthen collaborative efforts between forensic scientists, legal practitioners, law enforcement agencies, policymakers and international organisations to create a unified response against terrorism activities.
PAPER PRESENTATION THEMES & SUB-THEMES
Theme I:
Integrating Advanced Techniques in Forensics with the New Investigative Procedures under the New Criminal Laws
Sub-Themes:
- Advanced Forensic Tools and their Application in Modern Investigations
- Training Law Enforcement and other Stakeholders in Advanced Forensic Methods
- Case Studies: Advanced methods of investigation
Theme II:
Strengthening the Legal Framework for Forensic Evidence: Formulating Comprehensive Guidelines and Standards for Investigation
Sub Themes:
- Evaluating the Impact of New Criminal Laws towards the admissibility of Forensic Evidences
- Creating a Framework for Ethical Considerations in Forensic Evidence
- The Role of Technology in Enhancing Admissibility of Forensic Evidence
Theme III:
Forensic Science in the Courtroom: Redefining Expert Investigative Capabilities Against Terrorism Through Advanced Forensic Technologies in 'Digital India'
Sub Themes:
- Standards for Expert Testimony in Forensic Science in Courtroom Trials
- Examining Criminal Suspicion and Profiling through Forensic Linguistics
- Need for the National Institute of Criminal Justice
Theme IV:
Forensic Science in the Service of Justice: Building Indigenous Forensic Infrastructure for 'Make in India'
Sub Themes:
- Developing Indigenous Forensic Tools and Techniques
- Creating Policy Frameworks to Support Sustainable Forensic Infrastructure and Development
- Increasing Efficiency of Forensic Laboratories to Improve Response Times
Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi
Event Dates: March 22-23, 2025