Forensic Science Council News | Stay Updated with Edinbox

Forensic psychiatry is an important and dynamic cross-border between law and mental health that is becoming more technologically advanced, changing legal frameworks, and empirical studies. The basis of the present article relies on recent high-impact research, especially on the research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, and integrated with the latest scientific findings in the field as of 2024-2025.

Mediating between Law and Mental Health

Forensic psychiatry has the responsibility of assessing complicated cases like criminal responsibility, trial competency, violent risk management and the handling of mentally disordered offenders in a legal context. The development of neuroimaging, genetics, and psychiatric techniques is also enabling professionals to gain a better insight into the complex interactions between brain activity, mental disease, and behavior when it comes to determining legal verdicts.

Application of neuroscientific findings to courts provides a deeper insight into the neurobiological basis of criminal behavior but also raises questions of long-standing legal doctrines regarding the issue of free will and responsibility. This raises endless controversies regarding the morality and feasibility of such scientific information in a court of law. The need to base forensic psychiatric examination on thorough empirical evidence cannot be underscored to allow accuracy and legal justice.

New Issues and Research Needs

Despite advances, some serious problems still exist:

1. Uncertainty in Legal Systems: Legal systems in different countries regulating mental illness and criminal responsibility practice vary, resulting in disparities in forensic psychiatric practice across the world. Such variation makes it difficult to do comparative research and standardization of approaches.
2. Methodological Limitations: Clinical judgments only reflect limitations in reliability and predictive validity, and the need to combine objective markers as brain imaging and biomarkers, and to consider the complexities of diagnosis, including personality disorders.
3. Ethical Issues: Forensic psychiatrists are challenged on the issue of the balance between patient confidentiality, public safety, and informed consent, especially in cases involving the use of coercive intervention or when working with vulnerable groups like refugees or individuals with severe mental illnesses. 

The Future of Precision Medicine and Technology.

The discipline is shifting toward a model of precision forensic psychiatry which includes individual patient factors such as sex, gender, genetics, and social determinants of health. Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have transformational potential to improve forensic evaluations by processing large datasets, more precisely predicting risk, and identifying new trends in behavior based on digital data sources.

These technologies allow greater integration of complex variables providing customized treatment and better support in legal decisions. The emerging paradigm incorporates digital forensics, social media analysis, and cyber behavior monitoring into forensic psychiatric assessments, and this change is revealed in the nature of crime and society.

Future Research and Policy Implications

• Standardization of Forensic Psychiatric Practices: Multinational collaborative arrangements should also be urgently considered to facilitate similarity of methodologies, ethical principles, and training principles so as different jurisdictions lessen the disparity.
• Widening the Empirical Data: Greater evidence on a large scale and longitudinal basis that combines neurobiological, psychological and sociological information needs to be furthered to fine tune the risk assessment and treatment plan.
• Ethical Frameworks of New Technologies: As AI and neurotechnology gain widespread use, there must be explicit policies that regulate the use of data, privacy, and civil liberties alongside the use of technology.
• Improved Education and Workforce Development: The needs of the future generation of forensic psychiatrists include updated curricula focused on science-based, interdisciplinary skills incorporating emerging technological skills.

In conclusion, Forensic psychiatry stands at a transformative juncture, powered by advances in neuroscience, data science, and a more nuanced understanding of mental health and legal systems. The focus on precision medicine and ethical rigor will propel future research and clinical practice, improving the justice outcomes and safety of people.

It is a growing discipline and provides abundant opportunities to researchers, clinicians and legal practitioners across the world to cooperate in creating scientifically-based, humane methods to address the needs of society in the 21st century.

There are different kinds of handwriting in this world; some write purely, and some make a fuss on the sheets. It is believed that handwriting is a special signature representing the personality of the writer. But can it tell the gender of the writer? This is an interesting question that has preoccupied forensic professionals and researchers over the years. To the students and the future practitioners of the field of forensic science and to those who are just inquisitive of the latent evidence of human handwriting, recent scientific research affirms some interesting facts about this subject.

What Forensic Science Says about Gender and Handwriting

Forensic handwriting examination is an expert science applied in criminal investigations, verification of document authenticity, and profiling. Historically, handwriting examiners consider personal characteristics, including the shapes of letters, slant, and spacing, pressure, and the size. These traits are individual, and they depend on motor skills, habits, and in some cases, gender related traits. 

Research in science has evolved to adopt sophisticated technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to identify subtle differences in handwriting which could be related to gender. Recent research, including the one in 2025 by a group of computer scientists and forensic experts, integrates deep learning models with handwriting characteristics to determine a writer based on his or her gender with remarkable accuracy.

The mechanism of handwriting gender prediction: How does it work?

In modern forensic studies many characteristics of handwriting are analyzed including:

• Letter shape and curvature
• Size and height of letters
• Digitally measured pressure on paper.
• Spacing and text inclination.
• Stroke smoothness and speed

These features are examined using machine learning models, namely convolutional neural networks (CNNs) such as ResNet18 architecture, which takes scanned handwritten documents as input. The system initially checks the integrity of the document through cryptographic hashing, which is vital in legal evidence and the gender of the writer, which with a controlled study is determined with over 90% accuracy.

This two-pronged method was proved in one study in 2025, where the evidence does not get lost, and the gender classification remains credible, a huge leap in the field of forensic science in a real crime-solving situation. 

Why is this important? 

The identification of the gender of the author of a handwritten note or a document as found at a crime scene can be used to reduce the number of suspects or locate victims, in cases where other identifiers are not available. Gender identification on the basis of handwriting is an additional profiling tool, helping the professionals of the forensic team and investigators learn more about the origin of the non-printing. This practice is especially useful in those instances when there is no digital or photographic evidence.

What Does The Research Say?

As recent studies indicate:

• Gender prediction using deep learning may achieve high accuracy of 97 on various datasets with handwritten specimens.
• The aspects of handwriting used vary statistically between males and females, which means that AI models can identify gender patterns in handwriting. 
• A combination of machine learning and conventional forensic analysis will provide both increased accuracy and legality, as it will guarantee the authenticity of evidence. 
• These models have been applied to different languages and scripts, including English, Arabic, Gurumukhi, and Sinhala, demonstrating that the method is very versatile.

Career in Forensic Science and Handwriting Analysis

To people interested in forensic science in India and other parts of the world, handwriting analysis is an important element of skills provided in the diploma and degree programs in conjunction with forensic psychology, DNA, and criminal law. By taking forensic science classes that incorporate document examination training, you have the knowledge to implement these modern AI techniques and traditional methods of handwriting analysis in the real world of investigation.

How to Learn More and Stay updated?

• Seek resources and training in forensic document analysis.
• Follow recent research publications in forensic handwriting analysis.
• Train on machine learning sample handwriting analyzers.
• Keep informed about new technology in forensic laboratories.

In case you are a mystery-solver or even a detail-lover, handwriting-based gender prediction is a blend of technology, behavioral science, and criminal investigation, and it is very exciting. It is an interesting field of forensic science which is rapidly developing and presents great opportunities for career and interesting practical uses.

The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Goa campus successfully conducted a three-day Research and Skills Development program (RSDP) on AI in Cyber Security and Forensic Science, held between September 15 and 17, 2025. The hybrid event united leading experts, scholars, and researchers to discuss the revolutionary aspect of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving cyber security practices and promoting forensic science practices.

The Future of AI in Security and Forensics

The program was an interactive platform where members learned about the recent AI methods that are transforming the way cyber threats are detected and prevented as well as revolutionizing forensic investigations. With the growth of complex and challenging cyber crime cases and the growing use of digital evidence, AI-related tools are rapidly becoming a requirement of law enforcement and forensic specialists.

The major themes were AI threat-detection algorithms, deep learning in cybercrime investigations, forensic data science, and deepfake detection and analysis of digital evidence with the help of AI. Interactive practical activities and case studies were also done by the participants to improve their practical skills in addition to theory.

Highlights of the program and Expert-led sessions.

• Topic of The Program: Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of NFSU and Dr. J. M. Vyas highlighted the importance of AI in helping protect digital infrastructure and increase forensic services.
• Core Sessions: Presented by prominent scholars such as Dr. Ranjit Kolkar and Prof. (Dr.) Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, the core sessions covered the basics of AI, AI in forensic science, data science applications, and keynote talks on the future of AI in the field of forensic science.
• Panel Discussion: Scholars discussed ethical issues and the future of using AI technologies in forensic and cybersecurity systems.
• Lab Visits: On campus laboratories at the NFSU Goa campus that had demonstrated the latest forensic and cybersecurity technology offered some on-hand learning experiences.

Research and Industry Bridging Needs

This RSDP reflected the dedication by NFSU in addressing the research-practice gap between academic research and industry demands in forensic and security sciences. The intensive program was to prepare faculty researchers and professionals with the latest knowledge and skills in addressing the challenges of cybercrime and forensic investigations.

Details of participation and registration

The hybrid program was open to academia, research scholars, government professionals, forensic scientists and industry experts. Registration cost depended on the type of scholars in the research and the industry analysts; registration cost INR 500 and 1500 respectively, and the international participants paid USD 25. Upon successful completion participants were certified by NFSU.

The Future of Forensics and Cyber Security in India

With cyber threats becoming more advanced, integrating AI with forensic science can be a valuable toolkit that will help India prevent crimes proactively and deliver justice based on evidence. The initiative by NFSU with such specialised programs reflects its leadership role in ensuring forensic education and development of a qualified workforce that is up to date with the digital age.

The Nutritional Supplements Testing Centre at National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), known as the Centre of Excellence in Nutritional Supplements Testing for Sportspersons (CoE-NSTS), has been formally recognized and nominated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (YAS Ministry) for its outstanding contribution to safe sports nutrition. This is a significant move that will provide Indian sportsmen with access to scientifically validated, internationally approved supplements that will minimize the possibility of unintentional doping and dangerous health consequences.

What Is the Nutritional Supplements Testing Centre?

The Centre is a specialized laboratory in Gujarat, developed through a collaboration between NFSU, FSSAI, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It tests and certifies nutritional supplements for the sports community, following strict standards such as ISO 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015, and ensures products do not contain World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-banned substances.

Why Does it Qualify as a Breakthrough?

The lab is officially approved and is listed as a National Testing and Referral facility, the reports of which are now considered authoritative within the sports bodies of India.

Supplements analyzed here are confirmed to be safe, of good quality and free of any harmful or prohibited additives, protecting athletes against unintended doping, and protecting health.

Recently, several popular products including, key proteins and vitamins, have received NFSU "Trusted Certification," allowing their packaging to carry the official logo and boosting confidence for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Athletes- and Sports-related benefits to India

• Reliable scientific testing: Athletes can now drink supplements knowing that they are of the best quality and that they do not contain any banned substances.
• Boost for Fair Play: This campaign advances fair sports, providing the playing ground a level playing field.
• Less risk: When athletes use certified supplements, they get the chance to avoid health complications or inadvertent positive doping outcomes. 

The sports industry in India is expanding rapidly and international sporting events require international standards of training. With the NFSU's Nutritional Supplements Testing Centre now recognized and nominated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the nation moves closer to its goal of safe sports and self-reliance ("Atmanirbhar Bharat"). The Centre will keep testing, certifying and creating awareness- when it comes to product choices by athletes, coaches and families, the Centre will be able to help them make their final decisions entirely in confidence. 

A recent post shared by NFSU on X announced that National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Goa campus will host a three-day Research and Skill Development Programme (RSDP) on Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity and Forensic Science between September 15 and 17, 2025. The conference will be organized in a hybrid format with the possibility of attending both online and face-to-face meetings, mainly focusing on faculty members, researchers, and specialists in the same sphere.

RSDP will provide the participants with current research methods and effective skills oriented on the uses of AI within the rapidly developing sectors of cybersecurity and forensic science. With the evolution of cyber threats, the analysis of digital evidence becoming an important part of the forensic procedure, and both academic and practical applications within the context of the security and law enforcement domains, these interdisciplinary insights are essential to the development of the field of study and potential practical applicability.

3-day Programme Schedule

The programme will consist of expert-led workshops covering themes like AI algorithms to detect threats, cyber-attack prevention techniques, digital forensics practices, and how AI-based tools may be integrated into the investigative process. The participants will enjoy interactive workshops, case studies and discussions that will help them to increase their theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The focus of NFSU Goa on this topic testifies to the increased importance of artificial intelligence in ensuring the security of digital infrastructure and intensifying forensic investigations. This project is part of the overall mission of NFSU to promote state-of-the-art education, research and training in the field of forensic and security science. 

All the passionate students and individuals who wish to know more about the Research and Skill Development Programme or want to register, can get the full details on the official registration portal at https://rsdp-nfsu.streamlit.app/.

To register, the fee is as follows: 

• Academicians / Govt. Professionals : INR 1000
• Research Scholars : INR 500
• Online Participants : INR 500
• Industry Professionals : INR 1500
• International Participants : USD 25

The National Forensic Sciences University remains the leading forensics and cybersecurity teaching venue in India and has been conducting such focused programmes to address the gap between academic research and industry needs. This next event promises to be very informative and offer a net-working platform to individuals who are committed in these vital and rapidly expanding areas.

In a significant step towards strengthening forensic capabilities in law enforcement, the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) recently conducted a comprehensive training programme on ‘Forensic Science’ for 30 Deputy Superintendents of Police from Bihar. The event was conducted between August 18 and 22, 2025, to cascade high-level abilities and knowledge in forensics to senior police officers to improve their efficiency in criminal investigations.

The five-day training covered main forensic skills and practical applicability to current policing. Officers were trained in scientific techniques for crime scene investigation, evidence collection and preservation, forensic analysis methods, and interpretation of forensic data. The aim of the course was to empower Deputy Superintendents to more clearly incorporate forensic science in the investigative plans and decision-making course of action.

NFSU is an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and is renowned for pioneering education and research in forensic sciences. The specialised training conducted by NFSU is in line with its vision to improve the forensic capabilities of the law enforcement agencies all over India and promote a higher level of justice delivery.

The program also gave the participants a chance to interact with the expert faculty, in the laboratory, as well as discuss case studies that depict the important input of forensic science in resolving crimes. Such capacity-building programmes assist in closing the knowledge gap between the innovative developments in the world of science and their real-world application, in practice, within police communities.

Bihar Police leadership facilitated the training and are appreciative of the forensic skills investment in their officers, aware that highly trained police will enhance investigation, speed up proceedings and gain confidence among the citizens. 

This initiative demonstrates the efforts and collaboration of NFSU and state police courses to build skilled forces well-versed at using advanced forensic tools aiding investigation and delivering justice faster. As the field of forensic science is evolving faster, such events and initiatives are vital to keep the law enforcement personnel up-to-date with best practices and ever-evolving technologies. 

To conclude, the recently conducted NFSU’s forensic science training for Bihar Police Deputy Superintendents is a remarkable step towards  building stronger ties between real-world-policing challenges and forensic science education India. This contributes to a more scientific approach in crime investigation and the effectiveness of law enforcement in Bihar, India.