image courtesy of Lewis Group Architects

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) Knoxville Crime Laboratory has earned international recognition as one of the world’s top-performing forensic laboratories by receiving the prestigious Maximus Award from Project FORESIGHT. This honor places the Knoxville Crime Lab among an elite group, as it was one of only 15 labs selected from 184 participants worldwide during the 2024–2025 reporting cycle.

The Maximus Award is presented to laboratories that demonstrate exceptional operational performance, efficiency, financial stewardship, and scientific excellence. To qualify, labs must operate at 90 percent or better of peak efficiency, a benchmark highlighting superior management and service delivery. The award ceremony took place last month at the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Annual Symposium in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

During Fiscal Year 2024–2025, the TBI Knoxville Crime Lab received 17,988 testing requests across diverse forensic disciplines. Remarkably, scientists completed 19,698 requests within the same period, addressing both new submissions and previously pending cases. This effort led to a significant 39% reduction in the laboratory’s case inventory, underscoring their commitment to timely and effective forensic analysis.

Mike Lyttle, Assistant Director of TBI’s Forensic Services Division, expressed pride in the laboratory’s achievement, noting that the award affirms the dedication of TBI Crime Laboratory employees to public service, responsible resource management, and scientific excellence.

Project FORESIGHT, established in 2008 and managed by West Virginia University, is a global benchmarking initiative designed to help forensic laboratories measure, analyze, and improve their performance and value. By providing data-driven insights, Project FORESIGHT supports laboratory leaders in optimizing operations, managing caseloads, and allocating resources efficiently. It is widely regarded as the industry standard for forensic laboratory analytics, making the Knoxville Crime Lab’s recognition a noteworthy accomplishment within the forensic science community.