In the ever-evolving world of forensic science, there are individuals whose passion and dedication stand out, making them a rich source of knowledge and inspiration. One such individual is Dr. Surbhi Mathur, with a glorious career spanning over 13 years and continuously inspiring a new generation of forensic experts.
She has been awarded the Forensic Excellence Award at the 15th IASR International Conference on Forensic Science for her contributions to forensic science, especially in the fields of forensic physical sciences and multimedia forensics, which have left a deep impact on both academia and the field's practical applications.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Dedication
Dr. Surbhi Mathur is currently serving as an Associate Professor and Associate Dean at the prestigious National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gujarat. Her journey in forensics began with her passion to find the truth using scientific methods. She completed her doctorate in forensic voice examination from Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, which further strengthened her expertise in an area that combines scientific aspects with the intricacies of human communication.
However, her academic journey did not stop here. She cleared the UGC JRF (University Grants Commission Junior Research Fellowship), which led to a strong foundation for her research career. With years of experience, her work goes beyond theory and goes deep into forensic physical sciences and multimedia forensics, making her a sought-after expert in the field.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Forensic Scientists
Among several contributions of Dr. Mathur, the most notable being portraying the role of a mentor and educator. With years of teaching and research experience, she guided over 60 master-level dissertation projects. It is because of her ability to guide and inspire her students that led to a new genre of forensic scientists who are making their own contributions to the field under her supervision.
Currently, Dr. Mathur is supervising several PhD students who are working in forensic physics, multimedia forensics, and questioned document examination, fields that are crucial to both the academic world and the criminal justice system. She not only provides academic guidance to her students but infuses in them the same passion for the truth and excellence that she herself manifests.
Impacting Law Enforcement and Beyond
Dr. Surbhi Mathur’s influence goes far beyond the classroom. She has also been involved in training some of the most eminent members of the criminal justice system. These include senior police officers, probationary police officers, hon'ble judicial magistrates, assistant public prosecutors, and officials from renowned organizations like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Her training expertise is not limited to India. Her knowledge has been sought after by law enforcement officers and officials from international countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Rwanda, Ghana, and Myanmar. This global reach solidifies her position as an international expert in forensic science and her ability to adapt and provide value to a diverse set of legal systems and investigative frameworks.
Bridging Academics and Practical Forensics
One of the major reasons behind Dr. Mathur’s success is hands-on training in various forensic tools and software. Over the years, she went through numerous workshops and training sessions and collaborated with both the government and private sectors. This practical experience of hers ensured that her research and teachings are always reliable and remain applicable in real-world forensic investigations.
Her ability to bridge the gap between academic research and practical forensic applications is evident in her long list of achievements. Dr. Mathur has presented several research papers at prestigious national and international conferences, earning her awards and recognition from the global forensic community.
Research Contributions: Expanding the Knowledge Frontier
Dr. Mathur is an avid researcher and has contributed to the scientific community through her numerous publications. She has 35 research publications in peer-reviewed and Scopus-indexed journals, a proof of her dynamic approach to forensic science. These publications cover a range of topics like forensic physics, multimedia forensics, and questioned document examination.
Though there is no limit to her accomplishments, one noteworthy one is a national research project titled “Critical Analysis of the Effectiveness of CCTV in Law Enforcement” led by her. This research, conducted for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, focused on the role of CCTV in crime prevention, detection, and traffic management. This project resulted in providing valuable insights to law enforcement agencies with ways to enhance the use of technology in maintaining law and order.
Her journey, though full of accolades, remains deeply rooted in the simple yet powerful goal of using science to seek the truth. Whether she’s in the classroom, guiding a new generation of forensic experts, or collaborating with international law enforcement, Dr. Mathur's commitment to her field remains unshakable. Her work in multimedia forensics and forensic voice examination will become even more relevant with time as society comes across the complexities of digital crime.
Dr. Ranjeet Singh, along with IASR, Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science, Clue4Evidence Forensic Lab, and the entire organizing committee, acknowledges Dr. Surbhi Mathur’s years of hard work and the impact she left on both the forensic science community and the criminal justice system. We also look forward to the continued impact she will make on forensic science, both in India and across the globe, and continue to inspire, educate, and revolutionize the world of forensic science.