Cranfield University has relocated its forensic science capabilities and taught programme from Oxfordshire to Bedfordshire to create a world-class national centre for forensic science. There are three critical elements to the new facilities and learning:  scenes of crime investigation; digital investigation; and non-destructive forensic analysis.

It aims to help address key shortfalls in the national provision of forensic science and has the following objectives:

• Enhance research and development to address a critical national shortfall
• Increase numbers of students
• Increase numbers of continuing professional development students
• Provide greater support to the criminal justice system
• Foster the development and commercial acceleration of local forensic businesses
• Assist Police, the Government, policymakers and the general public by enhancing the application of science to fighting crime

Funding Stream: Local Growth Fund (LGF)
LGF Awarded: £3.641m
Total Project Cost: £7.3m (Capital Spend)
Delivery Partner: Cranfield University
Project Status: Completed June 2021
Projected Outputs: 170 additional learners assisted into work, 22 direct jobs, 27 new short courses, and a minimum of 500 Sqm of new learning floor space
Website: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/Centres/Cranfield-Forensic-Institute

Evaluation Report

June 2020

Game-changing UK forensic science centre of excellence set to deliver world-leading education and research

Work has begun on a new forensic science ‘centre of excellence’ at Cranfield University. Once fully completed, the facilities at Cranfield Forensic Institute will be among some of the very best in the world in their specialist fields of crime scene investigation, digital forensic investigation and non-destructive analysis... Read more.