What happens when you gather the brightest minds in forensic science under one roof?
You get FORQUEST 2025 - a two-day intellectual extravaganza that left me, as both a participant and jury member, absolutely energized about our field's future.
Hosted by Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur on February 22-23, 2025, this event proved why forensic science remains one of the most dynamic and evolving disciplines today.
Inside the FORQUEST Experience
Walking through the campus those two days, I could feel the electric atmosphere - the kind that only comes when passionate professionals and curious students unite to push boundaries. Here's what made this event truly special:
Groundbreaking Poster Presentations
As a jury member, I had the privilege of evaluating cutting-edge research from emerging forensic scientists. The topics ranged from:
- Digital forensics advancements in cryptocurrency tracing
- Novel approaches to microscopic fiber analysis
- Innovative forensic psychology assessment tools
What impressed me most wasn't just the technical quality, but the practical applicability of these projects - clear evidence that our next generation of forensic experts is thinking critically about real-world solutions.
Thought-Provoking Panel Discussions
The conference featured deep-dive sessions on:
- The ethical implications of AI in criminal investigations
- Standardization challenges in forensic practices across India
- Bridging the gap between academic research and law enforcement needs
One particularly lively debate centered on whether forensic education is keeping pace with technological advancements - a discussion that had students and professors equally engaged.
Networking That Sparked Collaborations
Beyond formal sessions, the informal interactions proved invaluable. I witnessed:
- Students connecting with potential mentors
- Researchers finding partners for interdisciplinary projects
- Professionals exchanging contact information for future collaborations
These organic connections often lead to the most impactful innovations in our field.
Why Events Like FORQUEST Matter
In my 15+ years in forensic science, I've learned that progress happens at the intersection of:
- Academic research
- Field experience
- Innovative thinking
FORQUEST succeeded brilliantly in bringing all three elements together. For students especially, such events provide:
- Exposure to current industry challenges
- Opportunities to showcase their work to experts
- A reality check on how classroom knowledge applies in practice
My Key Takeaways
Digital Forensics is No Longer Niche - It's becoming central to nearly all investigations
Interdisciplinary Approaches Win - The best solutions combine biology, chemistry, and technology
Students Are Our Greatest Asset - Their fresh perspectives often identify solutions we veterans might overlook
Looking Ahead
As I left VGU's campus, I found myself reflecting on how far forensic science has come - and how much further we can go. Events like FORQUEST give me tremendous hope for our field's future.
To all attendees: Thank you for your energy and insights. To those who missed it: Watch for FORQUEST 2026 - it's worth marking your calendars now.
What forensic science innovation excites you most? I'd love to hear your thoughts - drop a comment below or reach out directly!
