Mangaluru Hosts ‘CriFo 2K26’ to Advance Forensic Science Collaboration and Innovation

A two-day conference on forensic science was held and it connected experts, academicians, and students for them to share knowledge on advanced investigative methods and their role in solving complicated crimes through the use of physical as well as digital evidence.

The conference under the banner "CriFo 2K26 Forensic Session" was an initiative of the Department of Criminology and Forensic Science at Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work along with AVZ Cyber Security Solutions Pvt. Ltd..

The major focus of the event was to explore new trends in forensic science, especially how traditional methods are being complemented by the use of new digital tools. Experts at the conference showed that developments in cyber forensics, digital evidence analysis, and crime scene investigation are changing the mindset of law enforcement agencies towards complex cases.

Besides focusing on the basic changes in the techniques of forensic science, the conference also made it clear that very soon forensic science would go hand in hand with technology, data analytics, and cybersecurity. The participants got an opportunity to be familiarised with some of the new methods for analysing physical as well as digital evidence. These reflect changes in crimes which are gradually becoming more digital.

During the conference, speakers emphasized that forensic professionals should constantly improve their skills since new technological developments happen very fast. The event also gave students and young researchers an opportunity to meet and talk to the professionals in the industry and to learn more about the practical side of forensic science.

According to the organisers, the main purpose of the programme was to close the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practice by encouraging talks between schools and experts in the industry. The partnership with a cybersecurity company also brought out the fact that digital forensics is becoming a very important part of investigations nowadays.

The conference ended with the participants urging the educational institutions, forensic laboratories, and law enforcement agencies to work together more closely so that they can conduct criminal investigations more effectively and ensure justice is served in a timely manner.

Besides other efforts to modernise India's investigatory systems, events like CriFo 2K26 exhibit a higher degree of focus on forensic education and skill enhancement.