Centurion University and Chhattisgarh Forensic Science Lab ink landmark MoU to boost research and skill development

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

RAIPUR, DECEMBER 12, 2025

In a significant step toward strengthening forensic science education and research in India, Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL), Chhattisgarh, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering deep academic collaboration and institutional cooperation.

The agreement, formalized in Raipur on December 10, sets the stage for enhanced interaction between universities and key law enforcement, investigative, research, and technical institutions nationwide. Through this collaboration, both institutions will gain shared access to laboratory facilities, scientific resources, and academic expertise, thereby enriching learning and research outcomes.

The MoU was signed and exchanged by S. C. Dwivedi, Director, State Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Chhattisgarh, and Dr. Anita Patra, Registrar, Centurion University. The coordination was led by Dr. H. S. Bhawara and Dr. T. L. Chandra, Joint Directors of SFSL Raipur; and Dr. Reena C. Jhamtani, Dean, School of Forensic Sciences, CUTM Odisha; along with Prof. Ravi Kumar, Dean, School of Forensic Sciences, CUTM Andhra Pradesh. Joining them at the event were Joint Director Dr. Shikha Tewari, Anupama Meshram, and several Senior Scientific Officers and Scientific Officers from the laboratory.

Speaking on the occasion, S. C. Dwivedi emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating that it would bridge the divide between academic research and practical forensic applications, creating a strong foundation for innovation and skill enhancement.

Dr. Anita Patra highlighted that uniting Centurion University’s educational strengths with SFSL’s forensic expertise would enable students and researchers to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of forensic science and technology.

The partnership outlines several key benefits, including joint teaching and training programs, collaborative research initiatives, exchange of research materials and publications, shared access to scientific equipment and laboratory infrastructure, and co-guidance opportunities for scientists and research scholars. These efforts aim to provide students with a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving forensic science sector while supporting law enforcement and judicial systems through high-quality research.

Centurion University, known for its pioneering Skill-Integrated Higher Education model and accredited with NAAC A+, has earned recognition from UNESCO, the World Bank, NITI Aayog, and various government bodies. Its School of Vocational Education and Training was recently designated as a Centre of Excellence by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship — the only university in India to receive this distinction. Meanwhile, the NABL-accredited State Forensic Science Laboratory in Raipur continues to stand as a premier institution delivering critical forensic analysis and technical support to law enforcement agencies across Chhattisgarh.