Dr. P.K. Chattopadhyay is a highly accomplished forensic scientist and academician, and his contributions to the field of forensic science have been recognized globally. With over five decades of experience in the areas of forensic anthropology, forensic medicine, genetics, and criminalistics, Dr. Chattopadhyay has established the first full-fledged Department of Forensic Science at Punjabi University, Patiala, and has received several prestigious awards and honors, including the Forensic Scientist of the Millennium Award, Dr. S.S. Sarkar Oration Award, and the Dr. J.P. Modi Lifetime Achievement Award.
In recognition of his extraordinary influence and numerous accomplishments in forensics, he has been awarded a lifetime achievement award at the 15th IASR International Conference on Forensic Science.
Early Academic Pursuits and Pioneering Initiatives
Dr. Chattopadhyay began his academic journey with a strong foundation in anthropology and completed his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Delhi University. During the early stages, he focused on anthropology, which equipped him with the skills and knowledge needed to combine human biology study with criminal investigation techniques.
He started his teaching career in the year 1968 as a lecturer in forensic science at Delhi University. In 1975, he moved to Punjabi University, Patiala, which proved to be a turning point in his career. He took the initiative to develop the world's first Department of Forensic Science there. It was a groundbreaking achievement, as forensic science was in its evolving stage at that time. Under his leadership, this department grew into a premier center for forensic science education and research and attracted students and scholars from India and beyond.
International Recognition and Contributions to Forensic Science
Dr. Chattopadhyay’s contributions to forensic science are not limited to India alone. During his career, he has delivered several keynote lectures, chaired sessions, and participated in various international congresses, which strengthened his reputation as a global leader in forensic science. In 1975, he chaired a session on forensic anthropology at the International Meeting of Forensic Sciences in Zurich, Switzerland—a significant achievement as he was the first Indian to receive such an honor. His influence continued to grow, and in 2005, he chaired the session on forensic education at the International Meeting of Forensic Sciences in Hong Kong.
Apart from his involvement in conferences, Dr. Chattopadhyay has made valuable contributions to the advancement of forensic science through his work on various forensic techniques. His research has spanned a wide range of topics that highlight his commitment to public health and safety, like that of drug detection in biological samples, in which he researched for the presence of insecticides in mothers’ milk. He also made significant contributions in the fields of dermal ridge genetics, hair keratin analysis, handwriting analysis, the effect of alcohol on handwriting, and determining sex from handwriting samples.
Mentorship and Academic Leadership
Throughout his career, Dr. Chattopadhyay mentored a large number of students toward their Ph.D. degrees and helped in shaping the careers of several aspiring forensic scientists. In addition to this, he also supervised students pursuing their M.D. degrees in Forensic Medicine.
Dr. Chattopadhyay has also held several prestigious academic positions and fellowships. In 1973, he was named a Visiting Fellow of the Indian Council for Medical Research, where he got an opportunity to further utilize his knowledge for forensic medicine and its applications in forensic investigations. He has been a visiting professor and part of various scientific exchanges at institutions across the globe, including the Central Forensic Institute in Calcutta, Calcutta Medical College, and the University of Kiel in Germany, to name a few.
Global Impact and Collaborative Research
Dr. Chattopadhyay was an avid researcher and teacher, and due to this, he served as a visiting professor and collaborated on international research projects. His contributions to forensic science are acknowledged across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In Japan, he has worked with several prominent universities, including Nagasaki, Akita, and Keio University Medical Schools, where he conducted research and taught forensic science to students and faculty alike.
In 2009, he was invited to the National University of Malaysia to share his expertise in forensic science. His research collaborations have also extended to Turkey, where he worked with the Departments of Anthropology at Ahi Evran University and Ankara University, among others. His scientific contributions have been phenomenal in the development of forensic science units in universities across the world.
One of his most significant contributions to forensic science was his research on DNA profiling and the use of autosomal and Y-STR types from blood stains, which has since become a crucial aspect of modern forensic investigations. His work on the Membrane Associated Transfer Protein (MATP) gene and its relationship to the Founder’s Effect also added a valuable dimension to the understanding of human genetics in the context of forensic investigations.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Chattopadhyay has received numerous awards and honors for his outstanding work. He has received several national and international prizes for his research and teaching, including the Dr. S.S. Sarkar Oration Award in Anthropology in 2000, the Best Researcher Award from the Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine in 1997, and the Forensic Scientist of the Decade Award from the Medico-Legal Society of India in 1998. In 2002, he was honored with the Forensic Scientist of the Millennium Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field.
In addition to these accolades, in 2011, he was awarded the Dr. J.P. Modi Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Association of Medico-Legal Experts for his unparalleled contributions to forensic science. He served as the President of the Indo-Pacific Association of Law, Medicine, and Science from 2010 to 2013, which gave his leadership a great recognition within the Indo-Pacific region.
Continuing Contributions and Legacy
Although Dr. Chattopadhyay retired from his formal academic roles, his influence on forensic science continues through his advisory roles, publications, and guest lectures. He joined Amity University in 2004 as a director and later as an advisor to the Amity Institute of Forensic Science until 2014. He is actively involved in training programs for police officers, scientists, and members of the judiciary at institutions such as the L.N.J.N. National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science in Delhi, ensuring that his expertise continues to benefit future generations.
Dr. Ranjeet Singh, along with IASR, Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science, Clue4Evidence Forensic Lab, and the entire organizing committee, is grateful to Dr. P.K. Chattopadhyay for his commitment to education, research, and the practical application of forensic techniques and for leaving a great impact on law enforcement, criminal investigations, and public health across the globe. His achievements will continue to inspire forensic scientists and educators worldwide.