TV's top crime-watching broadcaster supports innovative new resea
Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:03:00 GMT
University celebrates launch of the Institute of Applied Criminology and Forensic Science
Pictured at the launch are (l-r) the University's Prof Alex Hirschfield; Dr Roger Jewsbury; Prof David Canter; Prof Liam Blunt and celebrated crime journalist Nick Ross
Celebrated journalist and broadcaster Nick Ross was among the roster of top names in the field of criminology and forensic science to take part in a special event to launch the innovative new Institute of Applied Criminology and Forensic Science (ICAFS) that has been established at the University of Huddersfield
In order to meet the crime and security challenges presented by today's society, the Institute brings together the skills and expertise of Engineers, Computer and Forensic scientists, Environmental Criminologists and Investigative Psychologists in a truly inter-disciplinary research and consultancy facility.
The launch showcased some of the most original thinkers in the field, including pioneering Professor David Canter, the man responsible for introducing offender profiling to British police work; a significant achievement that led to the establishment of investigative psychology units in police departments. He currently directs the International Research Centre for Investigative Psychology at the University of Huddersfield.
Speakers at the launch (l-r) Prof David Canter; Prof Paul Ekblom of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design; Prof Liam Blunt; Prof Alex Hirschfield; Dr Roger Jewsbury; Dr Angela Gallop and Nick Ross, chair of the event
Also among the speakers was Professor Alexander Hirschfield, who highlighted the importance of places in understanding crime, and Dr Roger Jewsbury, who explained the vital role of universities in forensic science. Professor Liam Blunt from the University's world-renowned Centre for Precision Technologies also spoke to delegates about the ways in which the latest measurement technology can be applied to ballistics assessment.
Nick Ross, who chaired the event and moderated the ‘Question Time’ session at the end of the day, explained the need for an interdisciplinary approach in tackling crime:
"In an age in which science has transformed medicine (and much besides), criminologists can point to very few examples of transformative criminology in practice. Crime science seeks to recruit the talents of applied and experimental criminologists along with expertise in many other disciplines, from architecture and design through to psychology and zoology, to help the police, local authorities, commerce and communities measurably cut crime. Huddersfield has a proud record as one of the few UK centres grounded in applied criminology, and the IACFS is a fine example of crime science in practice."
The launch was an informative and exciting day with an emphasis on how the different disciplines might work together to develop novel and effective approaches to reducing crime. Delegates gained a unique insight into the diversity of approaches in security research and were given the opportunity to network and participate in a special 'Question Time' session at the end of the day.
