TBI Knoxville Crime Laboratory Earns Top Global Forensic Science Award
TBI’s Knoxville Crime Laboratory earned top global recognition, being named one of only 15 laboratories worldwide to receive the prestigious Maximus Award for excellence.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Knoxville Crime Laboratory has been recognized as one of the world’s top-performing forensic laboratories, receiving the Maximus Award from Project FORESIGHT.
The Knoxville Crime Lab was selected as one of only 15 laboratories from 184 participating facilities worldwide during the 2024-2025 reporting cycle. The honor acknowledges laboratories operating at 90 percent or better of peak efficiency.
The award was presented last month during the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Annual Symposium in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It highlights laboratories that demonstrate exceptional operational performance, efficiency, financial stewardship, and scientific excellence through participation in the global Project FORESIGHT benchmarking program.
Laboratory Performance Metrics
During Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the TBI Knoxville Crime Lab received 17,988 requests for testing across all forensic disciplines. Scientists completed 19,698 requests during that same period, working through both newly submitted cases and previously pending requests.
The laboratory reduced its overall inventory by nearly 39 percent by processing more cases than it received, according to TBI officials.
Recognition of Excellence
“The TBI Knoxville Crime Laboratory is honored to be included among the highest tier of forensic science providers awarded the Project FORESIGHT Maximus Award,” said Mike Lyttle, Assistant Director of TBI’s Forensic Services Division.
“This award is confirmation to the citizens of Tennessee of the TBI Crime Laboratory employees’ dedication to public service, responsible resource management, and commitment to excellence,” Lyttle added.
About Project FORESIGHT
Project FORESIGHT is an international benchmarking initiative designed to measure, analyze, and improve the performance and value of forensic science laboratories. The program was established in 2008 and is managed by West Virginia University.
The initiative provides laboratory leaders with data-driven tools to evaluate operations, manage caseloads, allocate resources, and enhance the delivery of forensic services. It is widely recognized as the industry standard for forensic laboratory analytics.
The recognition places the Knoxville facility among an elite group of forensic laboratories worldwide that have demonstrated superior operational standards and scientific excellence in serving their communities.
