Lieutenant General Prof. Dr. Ahmed Awad Elgamel was formally honoured by state authorities in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the development of forensic evidence systems and the advancement of criminal justice support mechanisms in Sudan. The recognition came on the margins of the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Institute of Forensic Evidence Sciences, held at Al-Ribat University under the theme “A Quarter Century of Leadership in Supporting Criminal Justice” (1995–2020).

The event was held under the patronage of the Director General of the Police Forces, Lieutenant General (Police Legal Officer) Ezzeldin Elsheikh Al Mansour, reflecting the institutional significance of the Institute’s role within Sudan’s criminal justice ecosystem. While the Institute celebrated its 25-year milestone, the honour awarded to Lt. Gen. Prof. Elgamel stood out as a recognition of his leadership in shaping forensic education, strengthening national expertise, and building modern institutional pathways for professional qualification and scientific credibility within the justice sector.

In public remarks delivered during the occasion, Lt. Gen. Prof. Elgamel highlighted that institutional milestones are not only moments for celebrating success, but also opportunities for evaluating challenges, strengthening tools and methods, and expanding future horizons in line with the Institute’s vision and mission. He emphasized that the Institute’s journey represents continuous learning and development—linking scientific progress with the practical requirements of justice and security.

Reflecting on the Institute’s origins, Prof. Elgamel noted that the concept was initiated in the 1990s at a time when external training opportunities for forensic experts—particularly in Germany—were declining. This reality created an urgent need for a national academic body capable of preparing forensic experts with the scientific and academic competencies required to stand before courts, present professional testimony, and defend forensic reports within complex criminal investigations. These efforts culminated in the establishment of the Institute through Ministerial Decision No. (46) of 1995.

Under his leadership and institutional development vision, the Institute became a cornerstone for forensic capacity building in Sudan. In 2000, it was integrated into Al-Ribat University, strengthening its academic foundation and expanding its ability to serve both educational and operational needs of the state. In 2007, the Institute further expanded its technical scope through the establishment of a Poison Centre within its structure—reinforcing national toxicology and poisoning response capacity.

Lt. Gen. Prof. Elgamel explained that the Institute’s strategy is guided by a vision of becoming globally evaluated and internationally aligned, producing high-quality forensic science that supports justice outcomes. The Institute’s mission centres on providing training, research, and professional qualification in criminal sciences in accordance with global scientific standards—supporting criminal investigations while protecting security, justice, and public trust. Over time, the Institute developed into one of the most prominent academic institutions in Africa and the Arab region, providing specialized programmes and training for a wide range of national partners, including forensic evidence administration, anti-narcotics entities, customs authorities, criminal investigation departments, civil defence institutions, the Ministry of Health, banking and financial institutions, as well as judiciary, prosecution, and media professionals.

Through its postgraduate programmes, the Institute introduced advanced and emerging forensic fields, including forensic entomology and forensic odontology, and initiated development towards additional areas such as forensic psychology, forensic nuclear evidence, and other specialized disciplines. The Institute also gained national recognition as an accredited training platform for key institutions, including the National Anti-Narcotics Committee and the Ministry of Health. Its training scope further extended to pharmacy internship programmes, the Sudan Medical Council, and professional development support for forensic medicine practitioners.

The honouring of Lt. Gen. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Elgamel represents a significant acknowledgement of a career dedicated to the advancement of forensic science as a pillar of justice. His leadership has strengthened the foundations of institutional forensic training in Sudan, expanded specialized fields, and enhanced the role of forensic evidence as a credible, scientific contributor to criminal justice and national security.