National Police Agency to Hold "13th Forensic Science Idea Contest"

The National Police Agency announced on June 29 that it will hold the "13th Forensic Science Idea Contest" from July 1 to August 31.

This contest is held annually with the aim of discovering creative and practical ideas that secure the effectiveness of forensic science techniques and equipment, ensure field applicability, and demonstrate potential for technological development.

Participants are mainly invited to propose ideas such as: ▲ effective and economical utilization or improvement of forensic science techniques and equipment; ▲ development of new forensic science techniques and equipment; ▲ solutions to problems that are difficult to resolve with existing forensic science methods.

This year, the scope of cooperation has been expanded to include related organizations, groups, and research institutes, so that outstanding ideas applying artificial intelligence (AI) to forensic science can be proposed. Citizens who wish to participate can submit their entries online through the National Police Agency’s forensic science website.

The Grand Prize winner (1 person) will receive a certificate from the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency and a prize worth 1.5 million won. The Excellence Prize winners (2 people) will receive a certificate from the Commissioner General and a prize worth 500,000 won. The Encouragement Prize (up to 10 people) will be awarded with an encouragement certificate (a certificate for the general public) from the Commissioner General and a forensic science commemorative gift.

Outstanding entries will be reviewed for field applicability and the need for further research and development, and will go through stages such as pilot operation, verification, and follow-up R&D before being applied in the field.

A National Police Agency official stated, "This contest is a meaningful platform to solve on-site issues together with the public and to present the future direction for the advancement of forensic science in Korea based on AI," adding, "We look forward to the active participation of citizens in discovering novel ideas with field applicability and creativity."