Industry-academia engagement boosts forensic innovation at foster+freeman
Having started life as an academic research project, with backing from the UK Home Office, foster+freeman has a long-standing history of working in partnership with leading universities to increase research output and deliver innovative forensic solutions.
Research partnerships between the forensic science industry and academia have become increasingly popular in recent years and offer a range of benefits that can help both parties achieve their goals more effectively. At foster+freeman we recognise the value of collaboration and work hard to encourage and nurture strong partnerships.
Access to Resources and Technology
While foster+freeman are able to supply best-in-class forensic technology, universities are often able to provide the research facilities, practical expertise, and time required to conduct in-depth research into the development and refinement of new forensic methods and techniques. The combination of these resources enables us to make significant strides in multiple areas of scientific research.
Case Study: De Montfort University, Leicester
De Montfort University (DMU) is home to internationally renowned research groups and has a reputation for collaborative ‘real world’ research. Using Crime-lite technology on loan from foster+freeman, the DMU Research Services team were able to conduct a study into the benefits of using narrowband illumination, in combination with bandpass optical viewing filters, to greatly improve contrast when visualising fingermarks processed using 1,2-Indandione.
Accelerated Innovation
A leading scientific innovator, foster+freeman continues to actively pursue multiple research and development projects each designed to improve the quality of forensic evidence. Working in partnership with academia broadens the talent pool involved with any single project and can often provide valuable new insights. Combining foster+freeman’s practical focus, with the theoretical research that academic institutions are well equipped to carry out, it is possible not only to maintain such broad range of projects but also to accelerate the delivery of new and innovative solutions.
Case Study: Loughborough University, Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
KTPs are a UK-wide programme, run and managed by Innovate UK on behalf of the 17 major research councils. They often grow out of existing partnerships when the organisation identifies a strategic need that the university has the expertise to address.
Working in partnership with Loughborough University, foster+freeman has been able to develop a unique new technology capable of identifying forensically pertinent samples at crime scenes and indicating their approximate age. Once commercialised, the device will not only enhance investigators’ capabilities, it will reduce turnaround time and decrease casework costs.
Talent Development
Many of the talented individuals employed by foster+freeman joined the organisation directly from a university, often having previously spent time with the company as part of a work experience or graduate scheme.
If you’re working towards a relevant qualification and are interested in gaining real-world experience in order to develop the skills you need to succeed in your career, please visit the Graduate Careers and Apprenticeship sections of our website.
As the pace of technological change continues to accelerate, ongoing partnerships with leading universities has become increasingly important to foster+freeman as we seek to accelerate our innovation program and retain our position at the forefront of the industry.