HAU-CCJEF successfully concluded the 4th Forensic Science and Criminal Justice International Lecture Series
College of Criminal Justice Education and Forensics
April 15, 2024
Holy Angel University's – College of Criminal Justice Education and Forensics (HAU-CCJEF), in collaboration with the Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science (SIFS) India and the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM), hosted the 4th Forensic Science and Criminal Justice International Lecture Series last April 5 and 6, 2024 at Holy Angel University Theater. The event probed into the theme "LEX ET SCIENTIA: Decoding Forensic Science Techniques and Application in Criminal Investigations," drawing participants to engage in insightful discussions and exchange cutting-edge knowledge in forensic science and criminal justice.
The two-day lecture series served as a platform for experts, practitioners, scholars, and enthusiasts to converge and explore the latest advancements, methodologies, and applications in forensic science. With a focus on decoding forensic science techniques and their crucial role in solving complex criminal cases, the event aimed to enhance understanding, collaboration, and proficiency in the field.
Distinguished resource speakers from various disciplines within forensic science and criminal justice shared their expertise and insights through insightful lectures, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. Topics covered a broad spectrum of subjects, including forensic Pathology, Disaster Victim Identification, DNA analysis, digital forensics, forensic psychology, paleopathology, fingerprint and questioned document examination, and the legal aspects of forensic evidence.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Al D. Biag, HAU Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the role of forensic science in pursuing justice, stating, " The pursuit of justice is not without its complexities, and forensic science serves as a beacon of clarity amidst uncertainty, providing empirical evidence and scientific rigor to the judicial process. "
In his message, Dr. Niño M. Kabiling, CCJEF Dean, outlined the event's purpose: "We recognize the contemporary challenges facing forensic science today. The field is constantly in flux, from technological advancements to changing legal landscapes and emerging types of crimes. Thus, this international lecture series serves as a forum to address these challenges, discuss innovative approaches, and explore cutting-edge techniques to bolster criminal investigations' effectiveness and efficiency."
In their messages, UPM Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee and HAU OIC-President Mr. Leopoldo Jaime N. Valdes shared the importance of Forensic Science. Dr. Tee stated, "Forensic Science will allow us to free the innocent and meet justice for the guilty justifiably. It is a fundamental truth that what we do as forensic scientists plays a vital role in the operation of the criminal justice system, as it is a process through which pieces of evidence are certified." At the same time, Mr. Valdes echoed, "It is important to find out the truth through forensic means to get to the bottom of the story of what happened. The truth comes from actually investigating the deepest reason for telling the story. The story cannot be told by putting a piece of cardboard writing on it next to a dead body. The story is told by looking into how this happened; the truth will set you free."
As the 4th Forensic Science and Criminal Justice International Lecture Series concluded, participants departed with newfound insights, connections, and inspiration to further their contributions to advancing forensic science and the pursuit of justice. With the success of this event, the CCJEF looks forward to future collaborations and endeavors aimed at pushing the boundaries of forensic knowledge and practice.