Forensic Science regulator receives honorary doctorate from BU

08 November 2012

Andrew Rennison, Forensic Science Regulator and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science by BU

Andrew Rennison thanks BU and tells graduates it is "exciting time" to work in forensic science.

The Forensic Science Regulator for the Home Office Andrew Rennison today received an honorary doctorate from Bournemouth University.

Andrew, who is also the Surveillance Camera Commissioner, became a Doctor of Science at a ceremony for BU graduates, which took place at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) this morning.

Andrew said: "It is exciting and it is a great honour.

"It recognizes the true worth of the work that I have to do and all of the people who help me with this work as well."

He added: "But today is for the students and the graduates, not really for me, and it is just great to be here and see them and their families enjoying themselves."

Andrew was appointed as the first Regulator of Forensic Sciences in 2008, and is responsible for setting and maintaining consistently high scientific standards – to make sure that evidence produced is reliable and convincing in the courts.

As Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Andrew also makes sure that there is a balance between using CCTV to keep people safe and protecting people's privacy.

He said it is an interesting time for BU's forensic science graduates to be moving into the field.

"It's a very exciting time to be in forensic science because the science is moving forwards at a tremendous rate of knots," he said.

"But we know it is a difficult time to be in forensic science because of budget cuts and everything else that is going on.

"But they have got the base training now and I wish them every success in their future careers."

While accepting his honorary doctorate at the ceremony for graduates from the School of Applied Sciences, Student and Academic Services and the Graduate School, as well as postgraduate students from the Business School, he said:

"Remember and cherish this day as a significant day in your lives and careers. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it."

Andrew has regularly visited Bournemouth University for the past five years, since meeting Professor David Osselton, head of Forensic and Biological Sciences at BU.

"He has asked me down here every year since then to do a lecture to the forensic science students on the work that I do, and it proves hugely popular and I love it," said Andrew.

He added: "The students that I have met who are doing the forensic science courses at Bournemouth University appear to get a lot out of it."

Andrew also opened a new Crime Scene Training Facility at BU in February, where mock crime scenes are set up for forensic science students.

He said: "It's a necessary part of the training as it replicates real life situations, and I am hoping to come down next summer to see part of the outdoor training situations as well, because that is another key part of the work and the training."

Over 5,000 students from Bournemouth University will graduate at the BIC between 6th and 9th November.

Professor John Vinney, vice-chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: "Bournemouth University takes great pride in our Honorary Graduates.

"We recognise people who have excelled in their chosen field who will act as inspirational role models, both for our graduates and their families at the awards ceremonies and for our whole student body in the coming years."

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Forensic Science regulator receives honorary doctorate from BU