National Conference: Opportunities and Challenges in Forensic Sciences (OCFS-2026)
National Forensic Sciences University, Nagpur Campus successfully organized a three-day National Conference on “Opportunities and Challenges in Forensic Sciences (OCFS-2026)” from 28th February to 2nd March 2026
The conference commenced on 28th February 2026 with registration and networking sessions. The inaugural ceremony held on 1st March 2026 was graced by Prof. (Dr.) S. O. Junare, Director, NFSU Nagpur.
National Forensic Sciences University is a matter of pride for the nation. It is the world’s first specialized university fully dedicated to Forensic Science and the Criminal Justice System. The presence of its campus in Nagpur—a centrally located and rapidly developing city—offers a significant opportunity for Maharashtra and the Vidarbha region. The students graduating from this institution will not merely earn degrees but will serve as scientific pillars of the justice system in the future.
Prof. (Dr.) S. O. Junare, Director, NFSU Nagpur, elaborated on the University’s academic excellence, research-oriented vision, and advanced technological innovations. He emphasized that in order to address the rapidly evolving technological demands and the changing nature of crime, it is essential to integrate modern, skill-based, and practical education with traditional learning approaches.
He further explained that the University provides hands-on training through state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced research facilities, and collaboration with industry and government agencies. This ensures that students are not confined to theoretical knowledge but are well-equipped to contribute effectively to real-time criminal investigations. Special emphasis is being laid on emerging domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Forensics, Digital Evidence Analysis, Forensic Biology, and Forensic Chemistry.
Considering the growing challenges at national and international levels, the University aims to develop competent forensic professionals who uphold ethical values and possess a strong scientific temperament. He encouraged students to engage in research, innovation, and socially responsible work, and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to developing skilled human resources that provide a robust scientific foundation to the justice system.
The conference witnessed participation from Directors of various NFSU campuses, Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories, senior police officers, eminent scientists, academicians, researchers, and forensic experts from across the country. It served as a significant platform for in-depth deliberations on modernization of forensic laboratories, operational challenges, emerging trends, and the integration of advanced technologies in criminal investigations.
The technical sessions featured invited lectures and panel discussions on key themes including:
- Changing NDPS-related challenges and issues before law enforcement agencies
- Application and admissibility of forensic techniques in the Indian judicial system
- Forensic psychological techniques in crime investigation
- The role of forensic science in pursuit of truth
- Issues and challenges faced by forensic laboratories
- Role of forensic accounting in fraud detection, investigation, and prevention
- Forensic proteomics as a new dimension in forensic science
- Behavioral intelligence in the Indian knowledge system
- Cyber and digital threats, including advanced risks associated with Artificial Intelligence
Panel discussions included Directors of Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories, IPS officers, cyber security experts, forensic accounting professionals, and digital forensics specialists. Deliberations focused on strengthening forensic infrastructure, quality assurance and accreditation standards, inter-institutional coordination, financial and technological challenges, and ensuring timely forensic support to the criminal justice system.
The conference also featured parallel oral and poster presentation sessions covering Forensic Chemistry and Biology, Forensic Physics and Crime Scene Management, Allied Forensic Sciences, Cyber Security, and Digital Forensics. Researchers and students presented innovative research findings, case studies, and technological advancements, thereby enriching academic exchange.
A press conference was conducted on the inaugural day. The valedictory function was held on 2nd March 2026, and the event concluded with a site visit and discussions aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration.
OCFS-2026 emerged as a significant national platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking, and collaborative engagement among forensic stakeholders. The discussions and recommendations of the conference are expected to contribute substantially to strengthening forensic capabilities in India and enhancing public safety.
The organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, participants, collaborating institutions, and staff members for their valuable contributions in making the conference a grand success.
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