The Forensic Anthropology Laboratory is a multifaceted forensic anthropological research, training and teaching centre. In accordance with the aims and goals of Forensic Anthropology this laboratory is committed to provide education and professional training to students in the varied fields of criminal investigations. The faculty and researchers of Forensic Anthropology Lab have the expertise and resources to assist with personal identification, assessment of the biological profile (age, sex, and height), identification of skeletal remains, fingerprint and document examination. This Laboratory has three dedicated research groups and places a major emphasis on the further development of Forensic Anthropology.

Forensic Dermatoglyphic Group

Forensic dermatoglyphics group is dedicated to explore and study the various untapped fingerprint characteristics and its application in forensic investigations. The group also focuses on the population variability with regard to the dermatoglyphics. Novel as well as standard software’s have been developed for such studies. The group is further working on dermatoglyphic patterns and measurements for ethnicity variability and other anthropo-forensic investigations. Apart from dermatoglyphics, the chemical development of fingerprints has been undertaken using novel small particle reagent techniques.

Handwriting Identification and Recognition Research Unit (HIRRU)

Handwriting identification and recognition research unit (HIRRU) in Forensic Anthropology Laboratory is continuously working in the field of document examination. Growing out of research on forensic document examination, handwriting identification and handwriting variation, this research unit is also emerging with recent advancements such as handwriting pattern recognition. This research unit is actively working on ethnicity identification from handwriting patterns by employing different algorithms and image processing software. The major objective is to formalize human expert-based handwriting examination approaches and validate conventional methodology by analysing handwriting patterns in more attractive way.

Forensic Identification Group

Forensic Identification Group is continuously working in the field of Personal identification as it is the main stay of forensic investigation. This group offers personal identification through sex, age, stature, race, fingerprints, tattoos, scars, Handwritings, deformities, external peculiarities – moles and warts. Researchers of this group are developing a new generation of morphometric tools and standards for application in forensic identification. Advanced research areas of this group encompasses ethnicity prediction from hand prints and hand biometric recognition. The Forensic Anthropology Laboratory also provides volunteer and unpaid internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students throughout the year. In the recent years this laboratory is using modern, state-of-the art analytical techniques and methodologies which will be utilized for scientific research and education for years to come.

Current Ph.D. Scholars

Recent Publications