Dr. G. K. Goswami, IPS, currently serving as the Additional Director General of Police and Founding Director of the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Sciences (UPSIFS) in Lucknow, India, stands out as an outstanding leader in both law enforcement and academia.
He has been awarded the Forensic Leadership Excellence Award at the 15th IASR International Conference on Forensic Science for serving the field for over two decades and leaving a lasting mark with his contributions in the fields of forensic science, criminal justice, and law enforcement, both nationally and internationally.
A Career Rooted in Excellence
Dr. Goswami's journey in law enforcement began when he joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1997. Over the years, he has held a variety of prestigious positions, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to public service. His popularity soared to new heights because of his unique ability to combine law enforcement with academics.
As an Additional Director General of Police, Dr. Goswami has worked tirelessly to bring reforms in policing in Uttar Pradesh. With a vision to shape the future of forensic education and research in India, he established the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Sciences (UPSIFS). Under his leadership, the institute has become an inspiration for academic and practical excellence, with an aim to bridge the gap between forensic science and criminal justice.
An Accomplished Academic Journey
Dr. Goswami’s academic credentials are as impressive as his contributions to law enforcement. He holds multiple advanced degrees, including an M.Sc., LLM, PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, PhD in Law, and a D.Sc. (Forensic Sciences and Law). Due to his passion for research and education, he excelled in a wide range of disciplines, ranging from medicinal chemistry to forensic science and law.
In 2020, he was awarded a D.Sc. (postdoctoral degree) by the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar for his groundbreaking research on “Role of Forensics in Strengthening Child Rights under the POCSO Act, 2012.” This postdoctoral work was supervised by Padma Shri Dr. J.M. Vyas, and this marked a major milestone in Dr. Goswami’s academic career. He raised India’s status on the global academic stage by becoming the first Indian to receive the prestigious academic distinction.
His contributions to the academic world do not end there. He has also earned a second Ph.D. from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, on the subject of “Enabling Access to Justice in Sexual Offences: Role of DNA Profiling.” His research in this field helped in shaping the role of forensic evidence, especially in cases related to sexual offences.
Prestigious Fellowships and Recognitions
Dr. Goswami’s professional contributions, in addition to his academic achievements, gained recognition in the form of numerous prestigious fellowships and awards. One of the highlights of his career was being selected for the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Fellowship (2020-2021), under which he pursued research on the global legal challenge of “Wrongful Convictions and Innocence Claims.” As a Flex Awardee, Dr. Goswami worked with Prof. Jens David Ohlin, the Dean of Cornell Law School, Ithaca, NY, on this pressing issue, leading to the expansion of his international experience and knowledge base.
In 2022, Dr. Goswami was awarded the Kumarappa-Reckless Award by the Indian Society of Criminology, highlighting his contribution to the field of criminology. His work has been widely recognized by prestigious institutions such as TISS, Mumbai, National Law University (NLUD), Delhi, and NFSU, Gandhinagar, all of which have designated him as a Distinguished Professor of Law. In 2024, Dr. Goswami was nominated as a member of the Academic Council at TISS, Mumbai, as an acknowledgment of his significant contributions to forensic science and law.
Leadership in Law Enforcement
Dr. Goswami’s leadership in law enforcement is equally noteworthy. He has served in various high-profile positions, including as the Chief of the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) in Uttar Pradesh, where he led critical operations against organized crime and terrorism. His extensive experience also includes more than seven years on deputation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India’s premier investigative agency, where he handled some of the nation’s most complex and high-profile cases. He served as an expert on organized crime for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which demonstrated his global impact in the fight against crime.
In Uttar Pradesh, he served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in multiple districts, where he gained huge recognition for enhancing law and order. He received the Police Medal for Gallantry, including a 2nd Bar, from the President of India three times. He also received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the Gold Medal for Gallantry conferred by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, which highlighted his outstanding contributions to public safety.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. G. K. Goswami’s career is characterized by a forward-thinking vision for both law enforcement and forensic science. As the Founding Director of UPSIFS, he aims to create a world-class institution that not only trains the next generation of forensic experts but also contributes to cutting-edge research in the field. His commitment to integrating forensic science with law enforcement ensures that justice is served effectively, particularly in sensitive cases like sexual offenses and crimes against children.
Dr. Goswami’s expertise is frequently sought by academic institutions, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations, making him a highly respected figure in his field. His contributions have not only advanced forensic science in India but have also positioned the country as a leader in the global criminal justice landscape.
Dr. Ranjeet Singh, along with IASR, Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science, Clue4Evidence Forensic Lab, and the entire organizing committee, wishes Dr. G. K. Goswami for his contributions that have not only advanced forensic science in India but have also positioned the country as a leader in the global criminal justice landscape. We hope that through his leadership and academic expertise, Dr. Goswami will continue to enlighten the paths of law enforcement officers, forensic science professionals, and students alike.