University Forensic Science Programs: A Student Attraction Strategy or a Value-Adding Partnership with Industry?

The “CSI effect” has become recognized as jargon that describes the perceived popularity of forensic science promoted in a range of television programs. Universities have been able to use the profile created for forensic science to attract students to the forensic science degree programs that have proliferated in many countries. This article argues that good science needs to be the basis of any degree for entry into forensic science employment and that the key advantage of university involvement in forensic science is as a research resource. The connection between education and research in partnership with the forensic science industry is an important element of a sustainable quality management program.