Final answer:
Edmond Locard founded and directed the Institute of Criminalistics at the University of Lyon and his contributions are essential to modern forensic science and crime scene investigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pioneer who became the founder and director of the Institute of Criminalistics at the University of Lyon was Edmond Locard. Locard is also known as the 'Sherlock Holmes of France' and his work played a pivotal role in the development of modern forensic science. His exchange principle, which posits that every contact leaves a trace, is fundamental to forensic science.
Locard's contributions to the field include the development of methods for crime scene investigation and the advancement of forensic science as a discipline. His legacy continues to influence the way criminal investigations are conducted today.