Scientific Committee

Artificial Intelligence assisted Age Estimation and Injury Interpretation: AI tools Revolutionizing and Transforming medicolegal examination.

Chair/ Co – chair:

Dr. Nilesh Tumram, Professor and Head
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
Jannayak Birsa Munda Government Medical College, Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India/
Dr. Manoj B. Parchake Professor and Head
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Instructors/ Presenters:

Dr. Nilesh Tumram, Professor and Head Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Jannayak Birsa Munda Government Medical College, Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Manoj B. Parchake, Professor and Head Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Dr Shashank Tyagi, Associate Professor Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India

Dr Navneet Ateriya, Associate Professor, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Program Description:

Forensic examinations frequently require age estimation and injury interpretation, both of which traditionally depend on observer experience and subjective judgment. Modern medico-legal scrutiny demands reproducibility and objective documentation.

This workshop demonstrates how accessible artificial intelligence (AI) tools — including web-based and mobile applications — can assist in analyzing radiological images and injury photographs. Participants will learn structured workflows and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for AI-assisted forensic assessment, documentation, and reporting.

Hands-on training will be provided using:

Dental and skeletal radiographs for age estimation

Injury images for pattern recognition

Clinical examination parameters

The workshop also addresses limitations, ethical considerations, and medico-legal admissibility to ensure responsible and defensible implementation.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

Perform AI-assisted age estimation by analyzing at least one dental (OPG) and one skeletal radiograph using a standardized workflow.

Classify common injury types (blunt, sharp, burn, patterned, pediatric) using an AI application and document findings in a structured medicolegal format.

Compare outputs from two different AI tools/models and identify at least two differences in interpretation or confidence levels.

Apply a step-wise SOP to generate a preliminary medico-legal opinion integrating clinical findings and AI output.

Identify at least three limitations or risks (e.g., bias, image quality, admissibility) before accepting AI-assisted conclusions.

Demonstrate proper documentation practices required for medico-legal defensibility of AI-assisted examinations.

Practical and Educational Value:

Participants will gain practical skills directly applicable to routine medicolegal work. The workshop promotes standardized documentation, reduces subjective variability, and improves efficiency in case examination. It also prepares practitioners for future AI-assisted forensic reporting and encourages collaborative research.

Knowledge Level:

Intermediate

Price:

50 €

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) : Principles, Protocols, and Practice

Chair/ Co – chair:

Eddy De Valck, D.D.S, Director Science ETAF DVI, Belgium

Sven Benthaus, D.D.S, Director ETAF DVI, Germany

Instructors/ Presenters:

Sven Benthaus, ETAF DVI

Christian Decobecq, ETAF DVI

Rebeca Iglesias Dominguez, Independant consultant

Marta Garazdiuk, Bucovinian State Medical University, Ukraine

Eddy De Valck, ETAF DVI

Miles Manning, Family Liaison Services, UK

Ersi Kalfoglou, Ankara Medipol University, Turkey

David Petretei, Hungarian Police

Program Description:

This workshop offers an in-depth exploration of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) processes as outlined by INTERPOL standards, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and international best practices.

teaching approach

Participants will examine the key phases of DVI—scene investigation, postmortem examination, antemortem data collection, reconciliation, and reporting—through interactive discussions.

applied focus

Using real-world examples,  the workshop will teach participants the knowledge and skills required to operate effectively in high-pressure DVI environments.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the five-phase structure of DVI operations in line with INTERPOL guidelines.

Be familiar with roles and responsibilities across forensic disciplines within a DVI team.

Gain practical knowledge in the collection, management, and matching of PM and AM data.

Learn how to apply identification methods including fingerprinting, dental comparison, DNA, and anthropology.

Reflect on challenges in coordination, family communication, and cross-border DVI operations.

Practical and Educational Value:

Understand the five-phase structure of DVI operations in line with INTERPOL guidelines.

Be familiar with roles and responsibilities across forensic disciplines within a DVI team.

Gain practical knowledge in the collection, management, and matching of PM and AM data.

Learn how to apply identification methods including fingerprinting, dental comparison, DNA, and anthropology.

Reflect on challenges in coordination, family communication, and cross-border DVI operations.

Knowledge Level:

Basic / Intermediate / Advanced

Price:

50 €

Technology Meets Humanity to Advance Forensic Nursing Education Globally

Chair/ Co – chair:

Jamie Ferrell, Director Forensic Nursing Services, Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, Texas USA

Instructors/ Presenters:

Jamie Ferrell, MBA, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, DF-IAFN, FAAFS Director Forensic Nursing Services, Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, Texas USA Anna Lisa de Joya, PT, DSc Associate Vice President, Clinical Education Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, Texas USA Lynda D. Benak, MSN, RN, CPHRM Professor Nursing Education Vancouver, Washington USA

Program Description:

The global nursing workforce challenges continue to significantly impact recruitment, education, and retention within the forensic nursing specialty. As forensic nursing practice grows increasingly complex, the need for innovative, scalable, and effective educational strategies has never been more critical. Emerging technologies offer an unprecedented opportunity to transform how forensic science professionals are trained while ensuring consistency, competence, and compassion in care delivery. This workshop presents an AI enhanced virtual reality (VR) simulation platform designed to revolutionize forensic nursing education through immersive, high-fidelity, facilitator-free training environments that replicate real-world clinical scenarios. These simulations integrate trauma-informed, compassionate communication with clinically rigorous scenarios addressing violence, injury, and evidence preservation. Learners engage in realistic, risk-free environments that strengthen clinical judgment, technical proficiency, and ethical responsibility while honoring the vulnerability and dignity of those they serve. 1 Artificial intelligence provides personalized, adaptive learning pathways by analyzing user performance and tailoring feedback to individual learning needs. Advanced gaming technologies further enhance engagement and retention, allowing forensic professionals to refine skills in evidence identification, documentation, and preservation. Research demonstrates that VR-based education surpasses traditional teaching methods in advancing theoretical knowledge, clinical proficiency, and learner satisfaction, making it a powerful tool for modern forensic nursing science education. ² Performance data analytics form the foundation of this educational paradigm by continuously monitoring clinical metrics to identify strengths, learning gaps, and opportunities for improvement. This data-driven approach standardizes educational quality, assures clinical competence, reduces variability in care practices, and strengthens patient safety. As a supplemental teaching modality, VR simulation supports mastery of critical clinical skills while promoting consistency across training programs. ³ Beyond forensic nursing, this workshop highlights how AI-enhanced VR education serves as a transferable model for other forensic science disciplines. Its scalability, accessibility, and adaptability allow for global implementation, enabling continuous professional development regardless of geographic or resource limitations. Participants will explore how these technologies can unify education standards, strengthen workforce sustainability, and foster innovation across forensic sciences worldwide. Immersive VR training represents a transformative advancement in forensic science education—one that not only enhances technical excellence but also reinforces the profession’s ethical responsibility to provide care grounded in compassion, dignity, and respect. ⁴ At a time of increasing skepticism and concern surrounding technology and its place in our future society, this educational model affirms that technology is not a replacement for human connection, but a catalyst that strengthens compassion, clinical excellence, and the dignity-centered care that defines forensic science practices.

Learning Objectives:

Examine global workforce challenges affecting recruitment, education, and retention within forensic nursing and related forensic science disciplines and identify how technology-enhanced education can mitigate barriers. Describe how artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and performance data analytics can be integrated to enhance clinical competence, efficiency, consistency, and quality of forensic science practices. Demonstrate how immersive, trauma-informed simulation environments strengthen compassionate communication, clinical reasoning, evidence identification, and preservation skills across diverse patient populations. Analyze the role of performance data analytics in driving continuous quality improvement, standardization of education, and assurance of clinical competency. Apply this educational model as a scalable framework that can be adapted for training across multiple forensic science disciplines and global healthcare systems.

Practical and Educational Value:

This workshop will demonstrate how artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and performance data analytics can be integrated into forensic science education to create scalable, trauma-informed, and competency-based training models that strengthen clinical excellence, workforce sustainability, and patient-centered care. Participants will explore how emerging educational technologies can transform forensic nursing education while serving as a transferable framework for innovation across all forensic science disciplines globally.

Knowledge Level:

All levels

Price:

50 €

Beyond the Spectrum: SpectrApp Software for Advanced Chemometric and Machine Learning Analysis in Forensic Science

Chair/ Co – chair:

Prof. Eugenio Alladio – Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Founder and CEO of Databloom S.r.l., Turin, Italy;

Ten. Col. Pietro Maida – Carabinieri RIS Messina, Italy

Instructors/ Presenters:

Prof. Eugenio Alladio – University of Turin & Databloom S.r.l., Turin, Italy Ten. Col. Pietro Maida – Carabinieri RIS Messina, Italy

Program Description:

This workshop provides a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to chemometric and machine learning methods for the analysis of analytical chemistry data in forensic science contexts. Participants will learn how to import, preprocess, explore, and classify spectral data using SpectrApp, a freeware software platform developed for educational and research purposes. The teaching approach combines short theoretical introductions with guided practical exercises using real and simulated forensic datasets. Emphasis is placed on methodological rigor, reproducibility, and the interpretability of results. The workshop also covers analytical method validation workflows through a companion open-source tool. Ten. Col. Pietro Maida (Carabinieri RIS Messina) will contribute operational forensic perspectives and case-based examples, bridging the gap between academic chemometric methods and real-world forensic practice.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the fundamentals of chemometric analysis (PCA, PLS-DA, HCA) and their relevance to forensic data.

Import, preprocess, and visualize datasets using SpectrApp.

 Apply unsupervised (PCA, HCA) and supervised (PLS-DA) methods for exploratory analysis and classification of forensic samples.

Evaluate and validate classification models using cross-validation and permutation testing. Interpret chemometric results critically in the context of forensic casework and reporting. Apply open-source tools for analytical method validation in forensic laboratory workflows.

Practical and Educational Value:

The workshop equips participants with immediately transferable skills and tools for their forensic practice. All software demonstrated is freely available, ensuring that participants can continue to check and test the methods in their own laboratories after the workshop. The combination of academic rigor and operational forensic experience ensures that the content is both scientifically sound and practically relevant. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of chemometric and ML workflows applicable to a wide range of forensic evidence types.

Knowledge Level:

Basic to Intermediate

Price:

50 €

Safeguarding Integrity in the Forensic Laboratories

Chair/ Co – chair:

Dr Angeline Yap, Assistant Group Director, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore

Instructors/ Presenters:

Mr Ben Painter, Principal Specialist Chemist, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australia

Dr Conor Crean, Scientific Affairs Officer, Laboratory and Scientific Services, Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch, Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Program Description:

This half-day workshop introduces the newly-released UNODC handbook on “Safeguarding Integrity and Quality in Forensic Drug Laboratories”. The session is designed to equip forensic laboratory professionals, managers and stakeholders with practical tools and frameworks to strengthen integrity, ensure the reliability of analytical results, and uphold the highest standards within their organisations. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, participants will gain actionable insights and best practice guidance for implementing robust integrity measures in their own laboratories.

Learning Objectives:

To highlight the critical importance of integrity in forensic science and the broader impact on the justice system.

To provide participants with an increased understanding of risk-based frameworks and standardised protocols for protecting integrity.

To foster an organisational culture centred on ethical conduct and proactive monitoring.

To develop strategies for identifying, managing, and responding to breaches of integrity.

To introduce emerging technologies that support integrity in laboratory operations.

Practical and Educational Value:

Increased awareness of the importance of integrity in forensic analysis and its impact on judicial processes.

Enhanced understanding of practical tools and frameworks for ensuring quality and integrity.

Ability to identify and manage integrity breaches using structured approaches.

Knowledge Level:

Basic to intermediate

Price:

50 €

Improving Drink-Spiking Detection: Research Insights and Real-World Applications

Chair/ Co – chair:

Chair – Dr Lata Gautam, Associate Professor in Forensic Science, Anglia Ruskin University, UK.Co-Chair – Dr Jo Dawkins, Associate Professor in Criminology and Forensic Science and Director of Education for the School of Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leicester 

Instructors/ Presenters:

Dr Agatha Grela, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science, Anglia Ruskin University

Dr Lata Gautam, Associate Professor in Forensic Science, Anglia Ruskin University

Program Description:

Scope -This workshop explores current research and educational approaches aimed at improving awareness, detection, and responses to drink spiking. It covers findings from Drink Aware Monitor – national surveys in 2022, 2023 and 2025, laboratory evaluation of commercially available testing kits, and the development of an educational toolkit designed to improve awareness, reporting, and responses to drink spiking.

Teaching approach -The workshop will combine three short presentations with interactive activities. Key concepts and research findings will first be introduced using PowerPoint slides and interactive quizzes using Mentimeter or Kahoot.

We will also demonstrate how exemplar drink-spiking detection kits operate. Participants will have the opportunity to test the kits themselves using their own drinks, allowing them to experience the usability of the devices, interpret the results, and consider practical limitations in real-world settings. In addition, products designed to act as drink covers will be displayed and briefly discussed.

Participants will then be provided with a QR code to access the educational toolkit on drink spiking, along with guidance on how the resources can be used and adapted in different contexts.

At the end of the session, participants will be invited to provide feedback via a QR-code survey and, if they wish, share their views on different types of drink-spiking detection and protection approaches discussed during the workshop.

Applied focus – This workshop focuses on the practical application of research findings to improve understanding and responses to drink spiking. Participants will gain insight into the capabilities and limitations of currently available detection kits and will experience how these tools function in practice. The session will also introduce an educational toolkit designed to support awareness-raising. By sharing evidence from surveys, laboratory evaluations, and educational initiatives, the workshop aims to support participants in applying this knowledge within their own professional, educational, or community contexts to enhance awareness, informed decision-making, and coordinated responses to suspected drink spiking incidents.

Learning Objectives:

Understand public knowledge, experiences, and reporting behaviours related to drink spiking, as identified through Drink Aware Monitor surveys

Understand the current landscape of drink-spiking detection kits, including the types available (e.g., colour-change tests and immunoassay devices); drink protection measures available and how they are intended to be used by the public.

Evaluate the strengths and limitations of commercially available testing kits, including issues related to accuracy, false positives, and real-world usability.

Recognise the importance of education and awareness in addressing drink spiking, including how evidence-based resources such as the learning and teaching toolkit can support prevention and reporting.

Practical and Educational Value:

This workshop provides participants with a practical overview of currently available drink testing kits and the evidence surrounding their reliability and usability. By examining how different kits and products perform across a wide range of beverages and real-world conditions, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the strengths and limitations of these kits.

The session will also introduce a freely available educational toolkit designed to support teaching, awareness-raising, and prevention initiatives. Participants will leave with resources and evidence-based insights that can be used in educational settings, community engagement, and professional training related to drink spiking.

Knowledge Level:

Basic

Price:

50 €

Human Rights in Digital Healthcare: Leveraging Blockchain and Federated Learning

Chair/ Co – chair:

Ana Corte-Real, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

Instructors/ Presenters:

Ana Corte-Real, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal and Paulo Rupino da Cunha (Online, it will depend on the day and hour) University of Coimbra, CISUC/LASI, DEI, Coimbra, Portugal

Program Description:

Scope: The healthcare sector is undergoing a massive shift towards distributed digital platforms for clinical data management and collaborative research. This workshop explores how the convergence of Federated Learning (FL) and Blockchain (BC) technology can secure health data governance while preserving fundamental human rights and patient privacy. FL enables collaborative machine learning by bringing the model to the data, ensuring sensitive patient records never leave the institution. However, FL alone lacks auditability and is vulnerable to adversarial attacks like model poisoning. BC mitigates this by acting as an immutable, transparent audit layer, ensuring verifiable data provenance, consent management, and tamper-evident logging of model updates.

Teaching Approach: The workshop utilizes a highly interactive, mixed approach. Instead of focusing on technical deployment, it blends theoretical overviews of decentralized AI architectures with interactive case-based discussions focusing on legal and ethical tensions. We will examine complex regulatory conflicts through real-world scenarios, such as the friction between BC’s immutability and the GDPR’s “right to erasure” (Article 17), the EU AI Act’s classification of medical AI as high-risk systems, and compliance with HIPAA, APPI, and LGPD frameworks.

Applied Focus Participants will learn to evaluate hybrid BC-FL infrastructures and apply these concepts to digital forensic investigations. Through interactive group analysis, the focus will be on auditing medical data breaches, tracking the chain of custody for health data, and ensuring algorithmic transparency and human oversight in AI-driven healthcare.

Learning Objectives:

Identify and evaluate the architectural synergy between Blockchain and Federated Learning in mitigating security vulnerabilities and protecting decentralized medical records.

Critically analyze transnational regulatory frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, LGPD, APPI) and their practical implications on health data governance, specifically focusing on data minimization and the right to erasure through guided debates.

Assess the compliance of high-risk medical AI systems with the EU AI Act and WHO ethical principles, emphasizing transparency, explainability, and human autonomy.

Apply digital forensic methodologies , to simulated case studies, enabling the detection of adversarial attacks (e.g., model poisoning) and tracking the chain of custody for health data.

Practical and Educational Value:

This workshop provides forensic practitioners, legal experts, and health IT professionals with the foundational knowledge necessary to investigate and analyze modern decentralized healthcare infrastructures. Participants will engage in active problem-solving, leaving equipped to ensure that future digital medicine innovations remain compliant with universal human rights.

Knowledge Level:

Intermediate

Price:

50 €

Decoding Alcohol in Forensics: Metabolic Pathways, Congeners, Genetic Influences, and Extrapolations in Legal Contexts

Chair/ Co – chair:

Ashraf Mozayani, PharmD., Ph.D., F-ABFT

Department of Administration of Justice, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas, USA

Dimitri Gerostamoulos, Ph.D.

Forensic Science Department, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia

Instructors/ Presenters:

Ersi Kalfoglou, Ph.D.

Department of Legal Medicine, Ankara Medipol University, Ankara, Turkey

Maha Almazroua, Ph.D.

Forensic Toxicology Centre, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

Aybike Dip, Ph.D.

Forensic Consultant, International Forensic Science Consultants, Adana, Turkey

Ashraf Mozayani, PharmD., Ph.D., F-ABFT

Texas Southern University, USA

Dimitri Gerostamoulos, Ph.D.

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Australia

Program Description:

This half-day workshop examines the complex science of alcohol metabolism, including its metabolites, congeners, and the emerging role of genetics in forensic investigations. Participants will explore both traditional methodologies and cutting-edge analytical techniques that are transforming alcohol-related casework.

The workshop integrates biochemical pathways of ethanol metabolism, the forensic relevance of congeners (e.g., methanol, fusel alcohols, tannins), and genetic polymorphisms affecting alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes. Special emphasis will be placed on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) interpretation, extrapolation challenges, post-mortem toxicology considerations, and courtroom presentation of scientific evidence.

Through expert-led sessions and real-world case analyses, participants will gain practical tools to interpret alcohol, metabolite, congener, and genetic findings in both criminal and civil contexts.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

Gain an understanding of the biochemical pathways of ethanol metabolism and the formation of key metabolites such as acetaldehyde, ethyl glucuronide (EtG), and ethyl sulfate (EtS).

Develop awareness of the forensic relevance of congeners in alcohol-related investigations, including methanol in illicit beverages.

Become familiar with the influence of genetic variations in ADH and ALDH enzymes on alcohol metabolism and forensic interpretation.

Introduce insight into the principles underlying blood alcohol concentration (BAC) determination and extrapolation in legal contexts.

 Enhance understanding of key considerations and limitations in interpreting alcohol and metabolite findings in post-mortem toxicology.

Introduction to the practical challenges and considerations involved in incorporating alcohol, metabolite, congener, and genetic findings into forensic reporting and courtroom testimony

Practical and Educational Value:

This workshop provides practice-oriented guidance for forensic professionals handling alcohol-related cases. Participants will gain:

Actionable strategies for accurately interpreting alcohol, metabolite, and congener data.

Enhanced understanding of BAC extrapolation methodologies and their legal limitations.

Insight into integrating genetic findings into forensic toxicology interpretations.

Practical case-based approaches for presenting scientifically robust and defensible testimony in court.

Updated knowledge of analytical advancements in alcohol and metabolite detection

Knowledge Level:

Intermediate

Price:

50 €

What process mapping can do for your lab: Standardization, AI innovation, and Best practices

Chair/ Co – chair:

Heather Waltke, MFS, MPH; NIST Associate to the Special Programs Office; Abu Dhabi, UAE

Instructors/ Presenters:

Melissa Taylor; Senior Forensic Science Research Manager within the Special Programs Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); United States

Dana Delger, JD; Consultant to the Forensic Science Standards Program at NIST; Sweden

Dr. Niki Osborne; The New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic (PHF) Science; New Zealand

Program Description:

The forensic science community is comprised of numerous disciplines and subdisciplines, and as there is often no central regulator telling managers, analysts and other personnel exactly how to perform tasks, many struggle with questions such as:  understanding the full extent of their task, processes, and system; whether they have the right analytical methods and technologies; whether they have the right people (and in the right roles, with the right information, and the right skills); and how to best communicate the work that has been done.  As greater amounts of forensic evidence is being submitted to labs, and expected to be processed quicky, not knowing the answers to these questions can be an impediment to assessing whether laboratories are effectively utilizing technology, whether they could be operating more efficiently, whether standards in use are appropriate, and where processes can be improved through technologies including AI.

Since 2010, NIST, through its Office of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), has been developing process maps across a unique cross-section of disciplines including Human DNA, CSI, Firearms and Toolmarks Footwear and Tire, Latent Prints, and more. Since then, the maps have been useful in ways such as auditing tools for the evaluation of standards and best practices, to assess the potential for use of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in forensic science, and to locate areas for increasing in laboratory efficiency. As such, this workshop will draw show the how, where, who and why of process mapping but allow the workshop to showcase how map development and results can benefit the forensic science community. 

Through the use of process maps, the students will delve into each of the above perspectives both through presentations and hands on work and sharing of results; focusing primarily on end users such as forensic science practitioners, lawyers, and others who will ultimately forensic science outputs. It will draw on lessons learned from building previous process maps to identify important areas such as QA/QC, SOPs, human factors, and existing standards in terms of ways to strengthen efficiency and potentially utilize AI in system development. The workshop will also touch upon relevant legal lessons from the American experience so far in both process mapping and their use for AI and other emerging technologies.

The scope of the program is diverse. It will take in lessons from the process mapping experience in numerous disciplines of forensics apply those lessons to standardization and the potential for AI development. The teaching approach will be primarily lecture based but include participation to allow all to benefit from shared experiences. The applied focus is on the recognition of process maps as an important tool in building national/international standards, laboratory SOPs, recognizing human factors related issues, and the development of AI in forensics.

Learning Objectives:

The necessary steps and considerations in building a process map

How developing process maps can benefit lab function, efficiency, and development of SOPs

How tools like process maps can help define areas where human factors may be an issue and guide potential solutions

The use of process maps when considering AI development for use in labs

How process map development can improve the quality of forensics

Practical and Educational Value:

Participants will leave this workshop with a better understanding of why process maps are helpful, including how they can begin to map at the discipline or laboratory level; how maps can assist in the evaluation of training and current practices; how human factors in forensic science can be recognized through mapping; and how process maps can help in use case development for AI based practices within the forensic system. Finally, they will also gain an understanding of areas that may need strengthening within existing methods.

Knowledge Level:

Basic

Price:

50 €

From Isolated Digital Traces to Investigative Interpretation

Chair/ Co – chair:

Prof. Claude Roux, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia

Instructors/ Presenters:

Dr. Julian Broseus, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia

Dr. Elenore Ryser, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia

A/Prof. Marie Morelato McNerney, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia

Program Description:

This workshop explores how fragmented or ambiguous digital traces are interpreted during investigations. Participants will work with incomplete real world–inspired digital datasets to examine how context, practitioner background, assumptions, and reasoning strategies influence investigative conclusions. The session combines: real world–inspired digital datasets to examine how context, practitioner background, assumptions, and reasoning strategies influence investigative conclusions.

Applied case-based reasoning

Interactive group interpretation activities

Discussion of uncertainty communication in investigative and judicial settings

Subject to participants’ agreement, their answers may be used to develop a reusable dataset for future research and teaching. Attendees will be asked to provide formal approval for this arrangement.

Learning Objectives:

Identify how contextual information – or its absence – shapes interpretation of digital traces.

Describe how practitioner assumptions and background influence investigative reasoning.

Apply structured reasoning strategies to incomplete or ambiguous digital datasets.

Recognize and articulate uncertainties arising from digital trace interpretation.

Evaluate how interpretative variability can affect investigative and judicial outcomes.

Practical and Educational Value:

Participants gain hands-on experience engaging with realistic but intentionally incomplete digital data, building skills in reasoning, uncertainty management and communication. The workshop strengthens the link between technical digital analysis.

Knowledge Level:

Intermediate

Price:

50 €

Postmortem Image Interpretation Workshop

Chair/ Co – chair:

Hideki Hyodoh, MD, PhD

Instructors/ Presenters:

Dr. Hideki Hyodoh Dr. Himeko Kubota Dr. Junghye Lee Dr. Heon Lee Dr. Maiko Yoshida Dr. Yohsuke Makino Dr. Minju Lee Dr. Hikaru Kuninaka Dr. Heon Lee

Program Description:

On the occasion of IAFS 2026 / ISFRI 2026, we wish to express our sincere appreciation, as the organizers, for the opportunity to convene this Postmortem Image Interpretation Workshop as part of the Japan–Korea exchange initiative. We also extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their interest in and participation in this workshop. This workshop represents a specialized educational program dedicated to postmortem image interpretation, which has been conducted continuously in Japan since 2021. It was established with the aim of enhancing the scientific and practical value of postmortem imaging through structured training in image interpretation. Because postmortem images undergo dynamic and time-dependent changes following the loss of physiological homeostasis, expertise derived solely from clinical diagnostic imaging is insufficient. A comprehensive understanding of normal postmortem changes, together with postmortem imaging findings specific to forensic medicine, is essential for accurate interpretation and reliable death investigation. The scientific program of this workshop addresses four key thematic areas, presented by Dr. Himeko Kubota, Dr. Junghye Lee, Dr. Heon Lee, and Dr. Maiko Yoshida. In addition, Dr. Yohsuke Makino delivers a live image interpretation demonstration to illustrate practical workflows in postmortem imaging analysis. Selected instructive cases are further presented by Dr. Minju Lee and Dr. Hikaru Kuninaka to highlight both the potential and the limitations of postmortem imaging. While every effort has been made to ensure a high-quality educational experience, we acknowledge that certain aspects may not fully meet the expectations of all participants. We respectfully ask for your understanding in this regard. Finally, we wish to express our profound gratitude to all colleagues whose invaluable support and cooperation have made this workshop possible.

Learning Objectives:

To become familiar with typical postmortem imaging changes 2. To gain experience in interpreting imaging findings in out-of-hospital death cases 3. To validate and apply the content of the Postmortem Imaging Interpretation Guidelines, 2025 edition through case-based discussions

Practical and Educational Value:

Participants will be able to understand and explain normal postmortem changes 2. Participants will be able to identify abnormalities that may represent the cause of death

Knowledge Level:

All levels

Price:

50 €

Zurich Forensic Imaging for Professionals Zurich Workshop

Chair/ Co – chair:

Wolf Schweitzer/ Michael Thali

Instructors/ Presenters:

Vasiliki Chatzaraki, Carlo Tappero, Wolf Schweitzer, Garyfalia Ampanozi Dept Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland Ordinariat Forensic Medicine and Relation to Law, University of Zurich, Switzerland Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Program Description:

This workshop will inform the audience about a number of important aspects in the context of post mortem CT (PMCT) imaging. The authors have extensive experience in successfully integrating and documenting PMCT. There are a number of PMCT specific aspects that have not been highlighted so far. One is the added value other than showing trauma and pathology as such. Another is the question of relevance: what does the term relevance connotate in the context of a whole body PMCT? Last but not the least, a setup and workflow demonstration will be included to allow people to see what can be checked and investigated using PMCT. The format is that of lectures and case demonstrations using anonymized findings of curated cases”

Learning Objectives:

The participants can explain added value of PMCT in context of medicolegal investigations. The participants have been walked through a full PMCT reading. The participants can explain the meaning of relevance in the context of forensic PMCT.

Practical and Educational Value:

The future practice of participants may be impacted in that they can better argue the case for PMCT examinations, understand why others find this interesting and put such findings in a professional context. Understanding the theoretical term of relevance in varied forms also helps for the planning of examinations, writing protocols of findings and defining the scope of documentations.

Knowledge Level:

Basic

Price:

50 €

Post-mortem imaging in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI): current role and new developments

Chair/ Co – chair:

A/Prof. Hans H. de Boer, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia

Dr Chris O’Donnell, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia

Instructors/ Presenters:

A/Prof. Hans H. de Boer, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia

Dr Chris O’Donnell, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia

Prof. Soren Blau, International Committee for Missing Persons, The Hague, The Netherlands

Dr Simon Stables, Northern Forensic Pathology Service, Auckland, New Zealand

A/Prof. Alex Forrester,

Prof. Summer Decker, USC Center for Innovation in Medical Visualization, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States

A/Prof Jonathan Ford, USC Center for Innovation in Medical Visualization, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States

Dr Vitallii Levchenko, Head of the Centre for Identification, Main Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination, Ukraine

Program Description:

This workshop consists of a series of lectures, case presentations, and research communications which comprehensively explain the current role of post-mortem imaging in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), and relevant new developments in this field. Using practical examples and a multidisciplinary perspective this workshop explains how post-mortem imaging can increase the efficiency and accuracy of a DVI operation. Presentations will also focus on logistical issues, the possible risks associated with imaging, and on advanced methods that can extent the benefit of imaging beyond triage.

Learning Objectives:

After attending this workshop, participants will:

Understand how imaging fits in the 5-phase model of DVI operations

Learn how post-mortem imaging can increase the efficiency of a DVI operation.

Be familiar with a range of practical examples that illustrate the benefits of imaging

Have a better understanding of logistical issues associated with post-mortem imaging in DVI

Be introduced to novel images processing methods that can be implemented in their jurisdiction, to increase the speed of identification.

Practical and Educational Value:

This workshop will impact the forensic science community by providing an up-to-date overview of ‘best practices’ with regards to post-mortem imaging and Disaster Victim Identification. As such, this workshop assists participants with the implementation of post-mortem imaging in their DVI protocols, thereby increasing their efficiency.

Knowledge Level:

Basic, Intermediate

Price:

50 €

Dr Antonel Olckers

Dr Antonel Olckers has led various initiatives that improved the ecosystem of forensic science in South Africa and Africa. She currently serves as the founding President of the African Forensic Sciences Academy (AFSA) and was the founding chair and director of the South African Academy of Forensic Sciences (SAAFS). She is a fellow of the AAFS, a member of the ISFG and chairs the SANAS Specialist Technical Committee for Forensic Science. A company she founded in 2001 developed South Africa’s first accredited forensic science qualification and provides specialised training for both public prosecutors and public defenders to facilitate the effectively handling of DNA traces in court. She holds a PhD in molecular human genetics from the University of Pretoria, with research conducted at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, and previously served as a Full Professor and Director of the Centre for Genome Research at NWU. At a strategic level she has been active in various advisory roles to government in the fields of forensic science, policy and ethics. Dr Olckers practices as an independent forensic scientist (in DNA) and frequently provides expert testimony in High- and lower courts. She is a strong advocate for empowering the next generation of forensic scientists.

Krzysztof Jerzy Woźniak

Krzysztof Jerzy Woźniak, MD, PhD, specialist in forensic pathology, is a Jagiellonian University Professor – head of the JU MC Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine research team in the activities of the Technical Working Group Post-mortem Angiography Methods (TWGPAM). Chair 2020/2021 of the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging. Conference Chair of the 13th Annual Congress of the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging in Kraków, Poland (2024).

Michelle Miranda

Professor Miranda is the Director of the Center for Criminal Justice Studies at Farmingdale State College (SUNY). She holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science concentration, from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York and an M.S. in Forensic Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY). Dr. Miranda is certified by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC-GKE) and is a Fellow of the Criminalistics Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). Prior to entering academia, she worked as a Criminalist in the Trace Evidence Analysis Unit of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Police Lab.

Agnieszka Łukomska

Agnieszka Łukomska is currently the Chairperson of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), having served on the ENFSI Board for almost four years. In her role, she is responsible for ensuring the Network’s sustainable scientific growth and operational capacity, and maintaining proper standards and the quality of forensic science delivery across Europe.

 Her professional experience at the Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police in Warsaw, Poland, spanning over 30 years, has centred on various aspects of forensic policing. She is currently a member of the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) management team within the Polish Police, as well as the national contact point for the DVI Interpol and the European Union DVI network. While contributing to the development of DVI standards and methodology at a national level, she is responsible for conducting training courses for the Polish DVI team, organising command DVI exercises and developing mass fatality scenarios for mock exercises, as well as sharing good practices in this area. She frequently speaks at international conferences on topics such as the management of the disaster victim identification process, ENFSI leadership, ensuring quality at crime scenes and the international developments in forensic science. She also chairs scientific panels and sessions. Agnieszka Łukomska has participated in a number of international projects aimed at developing procedures, such as the Best Practice Manual for the Implementation of a Quality Management System and Accreditation Model for Crime Scene Investigation or CBRN Scenarios – Response and Preparedness.

 Given her extensive experience in international standardisation in the field of forensic science, Agnieszka Łukomska represents the Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police in the ISO/TC 272 mirror committee on Forensic Sciences. In this capacity, she provides opinions and guidance on processes involving the detection and collection of physical evidence, its analysis and interpretation, and the reporting of results in court. She has received several awards and medals at national and international levels for her contributions to the development of forensic science.

Mohammed Ranavaya

Prof. Ranavaya is Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Marshall University School of Medicine, West Virginia, where he also directs the Appalachian Institute of Occupational & Environmental Medicine. Board-certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, he holds a Juris Doctorate (2007, ASL Law School, Virginia) and teaches Health Care Law at Joan C. Edwards Medical School, Marshall University, Huntington, WV.

A distinguished consulting physician and sought-after medico-legal speaker, Prof. Ranavaya advises the U.S. Federal Department of Labor and has counseled multiple states, including Ohio and California, on workplace injury and disability management. He consults for multinational insurers and businesses on injury management, rehabilitation, and return-to-work strategies.

Internationally, governmental agencies and compensation systems across Australia, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and North America have retained his expertise in impairment and disability assessment and return-to-work strategies. He has trained over 10,000 physicians and healthcare providers worldwide in independent medical evaluations and the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, for which he serves as Section Editor and primary author of multiple chapters (6th ed.).

Prof. Ranavaya has authored more than 10 textbook chapters in physical medicine, chronic pain management, and disability medicine, and wrote Physician’s Guide to Medico-Legal Practice (AMA Press, 300 pp.). He has conducted several thousand independent medical evaluations and is a globally recognized AMA Guides authority.

Past President of the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians, he is a founding father and current President of the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME), where he helped develop the credentialing examination for Certified Independent Medical Examiners (CIME).

Prof. Thomas Keller

Thomas Keller is Head of the Forensic Toxicology Department and Chief Toxicologist at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria. He holds a Doctor of Science (Chemistry) degree, is a GTFCh-certified forensic toxicologist and has been Professor at the Interfaculty Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Neuropsychiatry since 2005, authorized to teach forensic toxicology. He lectures on forensic toxicology to undergraduate and graduate students and has been a sworn and court-certified expert in forensic toxicology since 1998, as a member of the Austrian Association of Generally Sworn and Court-Certified Experts.

Prof. Simon Elliott

Dr. Simon Elliott is a Consultant Forensic Toxicologist and Director of Elliott Forensic Consulting Ltd and Toxicology UK Ltd with over 30 years experience. He is the current President of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) and is a Visiting Professor in Forensic Toxicology at King’s College London. Dr Elliott has published over 100 articles in clinical, forensic and analytical toxicology, especially New Psychoactive Substances and is an Editor of Clarke’s Analysis of Drugs and Poisons. He is a member of the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence and advises the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Prof. Silke Grabherr

Professor Silke Grabherr is Director of the University Center of Legal Medicine (CURML), a multi-site center in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. She is Full Professor at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, and at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva. A forensic pathologist specializing in forensic imaging, she is internationally recognized for the development of postmortem angiography (MPMCTA). She has trained numerous teams worldwide and served as main editor of the Atlas of Postmortem Angiography, establishing herself as a leading reference in the field.

Prof. Sarah Wille

Dr. Sarah Wille (PhD Pharm.) is Head of the Forensic Toxicology Department at the National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC) in Brussels, Belgium. Her research focuses on New Psychoactive Substances, alternative matrices, drugs and driving, and advanced analytical methods and validation. She is a recognized expert for Belgian judicial authorities, has published extensively, co-edits WIRES Forensic Toxicology and the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, and received the 2017 TIAFT Achievement Award. Dr. Wille currently serves as TIAFT president elect, is Vice president of the Royal Society of Legal Medicine Belgium and is President of the Toxicological Society of Belgium and Luxembourg.

Prof. Rossana Cecchi

Rossana Cecchi is Director of the Institute of Legal Medicine and of the Postgraduate School in Forensic Medicine at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. She serves as Vice-President of the International Academy of Legal Medicine and is a member of the board of the European Council of Legal and Forensic Medicine. Her research focuses on forensic histopathology and medical ethics, with international collaborations, particularly with Germany and Japan. She has extensive experience in forensic casework and postgraduate training, contributing to the development of evidence-based practices in legal medicine. She is Editor of the International Journal of Legal Medicine and Associate Editor of Legal Medicine (Elsevier, Tokyo).

Prof. Patrick Buzzini

Dr. Patrick Buzzini, originally from the Italian part of Switzerland, is a forensic science professor with the Department of Forensic Science at Sam Houston State University, in Huntsville, Texas. His academic teaching covers various areas of criminalistics, and his research interests primarily focus on trace evidence analysis and interpretation. He is an appointed member of the Texas Forensic Science Commission, a member of the Organization of Scientific Areas Committees (OSAC), and a former officer of the Criminalistics section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

Prof. Pascal Adalian

Professor Pascal Adalian is the director of the Forensic Anthropology Research Team at the ADES Laboratory (UMR 7268) at Aix-Marseille University in France. As president of the Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe (FASE), he promotes international standards and professional development within the field. A certified judicial expert and long-standing consultant to the Forensic Medicine Department in Marseille, he combines academic research with practical experience in casework. His scholarship advances identification methodologies and biological profiling, particularly in relation to juvenile osteology. Advocating evidence-based practice, he has developed rigorous protocols that strengthen the scientific and judicial recognition of forensic anthropology.

Oran Finegan

Oran Finegan is a forensic anthropologist focused on the application of forensics to humanitarian and human rights work. He has over 25 years of experience working in conflict and post conflict settings, helping design and build human identification programs and local forensic capacity to recover, examine and identify the deceased.

Formerly head of forensics at the International Committee of the Red Cross, he has founded Forensic Action International, which aims to use forensics to strengthen the humanitarian response in conflict and disasters and advocate for the dignity of the deceased and the rights of missing persons and their families.

Prof. Noemi Procopio

Noemi Procopio is Professor of Forensic Sciences at the University of Lancashire (UK) and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow. She is the Principal Investigator of the “Forens-OMICS” research team and the Co-Director of the Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic Taphonomy of the University of Lancashire. Her area of expertise is forensic taphonomy and forensic biomolecular sciences, specifically the application of multi-omics approaches, including proteomics, metabolomics, genomics and microbiome analysis, to post-mortem interval and age-at-death estimation. Her work aims to translate advanced molecular methods into robust, validated tools suitable for forensic casework, policy development, and courtroom application.

Prof. Michael Thali

Prof Michael J. Thali, MD, Executive MBA (HSG), has been Full Professor (Chair) of “Forensic Medicine and its Relation to Jurisprudence” at the University of Zurich’s Institute of Forensic Medicine, where he has led major research, teaching and service activities. Thali is internationally recognised as a co-founder and leading advocate of the Virtopsy® (virtual autopsy) approach, advancing minimally invasive, imaging-led forensic investigation with global reach. In Switzerland, he has also been a prominent driver of Forensic Nursing, including leadership of the UZH CAS programme bridging clinical care with legal and ethical interfaces.

Dr. Katarzyna Michaud

Dr. Katarzyna Michaud is a Senior Lecturer and Privat-Docent at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and works at the University Center of Forensic Medicine in Lausanne. Her research focuses on sudden cardiac death, a multidisciplinary management and postmortem investigations of these deaths including modern technologies as genetic analyses and imaging. She is member of many professional and academic associations, Past President of the Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology. Her professional activities include also undergraduate and post-graduate teaching for the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Law and the School of Criminal Justice at the University of Lausanne.

Prof. Jarosław Berent

Professor Jaroslaw Berent is a specialist in forensic medicine and forensic toxicology. He serves as Professor at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, and at the Department of Criminal Proceedings and Forensics, University of Lodz. He is a member of the Pathology and Anthropology Sub-group of the Interpol DVI Working Group and of the Executive Committee of the European Council of Legal and Forensic Medicine. From 1998 to 2002, he acted as an expert at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Between 2007 and 2019, he was President of the Polish Society of Forensic Medicine and Criminology.

Prof. Jose Antonio Lorente

Professor Jose A. Lorente, M.D., Ph.D., is Full Professor of Forensic Medicine at the University of Granada and Director of the Laboratory of Genetic Identification (LABIGEN). He is a forensic physician and geneticist with longstanding involvement in human rights–related cases, supporting authorities, families of missing persons, and human rights organizations in numerous countries. In 1999, he founded the Phoenix Program of Spain, the first genetic identification program for missing persons. In 2004, he became Scientific Director of the DNA-PROKIDS Program, an international initiative for missing children identification. His expertise includes forensic genetics, human identification and medical genomics, with research interests in liquid biopsy and cancer interception.

Joanna Collins

Joanna Collins, MFS, is the owner of LINUS Investigations and Consulting where she oversees expert consulting. She served 25+ years as a criminal investigator with the US government (AFOSI), retiring as a Colonel (O6) in 2022. She served as a supervisory special agent/commander and specialized in forensic science with specific focus on deaths, sexual assaults, and child sexual assault cases, to include child forensic interviewing. As an expert, she reviews crime scenes investigations, documentation, and criminal investigations regarding their sufficiency, and adherence to best practices and accepted standards. She served as the 2025-2026 President of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and serves on the Board of Directors.

JoAnn Buscaglia

Dr. JoAnn Buscaglia is a Research Chemist with the FBI Laboratory whose research is primarily focused in the areas of microscopy/microanalysis and elemental analysis of trace materials, impression and pattern evidence, and the interpretation of data in a forensic context. JoAnn received her PhD from the City University of New York, and a B.S. and M.S. in Forensic Science (Criminalistics) from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She has been honored for her research contributions with the Paul L. Kirk Award, the highest honor given by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Criminalistics Section, of which she is a Fellow.

Prof. Garyfalia Ampanozi

Garyfalia Ampanozi is a Professor of Forensic Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, since September 2025. She was a member of the Virtopsy team and the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, for more than 15 years. Her main research focus is on the field of forensic imaging, particularly postmortem computed tomography, with significant contributions in the literature as an author (over 100 articles and book chapters in forensic textbooks), reviewer or member of the editorial board of forensic journals. She is lecturing in various Universities and gives invited talks all over the world.

Prof. Fabrice Dedouit

Fabrice Dedouit is a French radiologist and forensic pathologist at the Toulouse Hospital (France). He started his radiology residency in 2000 and forensic pathology residency in 2004 at the University Paul Sabatier (Toulouse, France). He received his M.D in 2004, his Ph.D. Thesis in Biological Anthropology in 2009, his Habilitation degree in 2011, and became Docent. In 2022/2023 he was president of the ISFRI (International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging). Since 2020, he is Director of a national University Degree called “Forensic Imaging”. Since 2004 he published more than 150 publications and 30 chapters of books in the field of forensic radiology and forensic anthropology. He was editor in 2022 of the book “ Forensic Imaging – A Practical Guide”. He is involved and active in forensic imaging and particularly virtual autopsy and virtual anthropology since 2004.

Prof. Denis Cusack

Professor Denis A. Cusack is Head of the National Forensic Intoxicant Laboratory for Ireland at University College Dublin and has served as a Coroner in the Irish death investigation service since 1995. He has over 30 years of experience in forensic medicine, postgraduate teaching, and research. His specialist interests include forensic medicine, intoxicated driving, road traffic medicine, forensic death investigation, and medico-legal issues in healthcare practice, ethics, and professionalism.

He currently serves as Vice-President of the International Academy of Legal Medicine and was Immediate Past-President of the European Council of Legal Medicine (2019–2024).

Prof. Cristiana Palmela Pereira

Professor Cristiana Palmela Pereira is President of the International Organization for Forensic Odonto-Stomatology (IOFOS) and an Assistant Professor with Habilitation at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Lisbon. She has 17 years of experience as a consulting forensic dentist at the Portuguese National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences and serves as a court-appointed forensic expert. Her expertise includes clinical forensic odontology, human identification, bite mark analysis, evaluation of bodily injury, professional liability, and age assessment. She is also Executive Coordinator of the Expert Committee of the Portuguese Dental Association and Portuguese Delegate to INTERPOL’s DVI Forensic Odontology Sub-Working Group.

Dr. Christopher Thompson

Christopher Thompson is the Immediate President of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and a Past President of the American Academy of Psychiatry & the Law. He is board certified in Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is a Voluntary Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. In the past, he served as the Director of the Forensic Psychiatry Division of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

Prof. Charles Berger

Charles Berger is principal scientist at the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), and professor of Criminalistics at Leiden University. He specializes in subjects such as evidence interpretation and inference (logic, probability). At the NFI he is active in a number of areas such as education, R&D strategy, and his own research about which he publishes internationally. He also supports the NFI experts, advises the direction, and guards the scientific quality. Charles is a member of the ISO technical committee that developed the ISO-21043 Forensic Sciences standard, and was lead editor for Part 4: Interpretation.

Carol Rogers

Carol Rogers is a forensic scientist with 28 years of experience in the biology discipline. Her areas of expertise include blood pattern analysis, body fluid identification, textile damage interpretation, DNA interpretation (including Y-STR analysis and STR mixture interpretation), and crime scene examination for major crime. Her professional portfolio includes extensive work on sexual offences and violence against women and girls, for which she serves as the National Lead for SPA Forensic Services.

She is the current Chair of the AFSP Body Fluid Forum and a member of the FFLM Science Subcommittee. She was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Queen Margaret University in recognition of her contributions to forensic science.

Prof. Bertrand Ludes

Professor Bertrand Ludes is a distinguished forensic pathologist with over 30 years of experience in forensic pathology, anthropology, and genetics. His work integrates genetic analysis with anthropological research, contributing to the study of historical populations, human evolution, and migration patterns. He is widely recognized for his expertise in ancient DNA and its application in forensic and historical investigations. Professor Ludes is also involved in the analysis of cold cases through macroscopic and microscopic examination of bone lesions. He is currently Professor of Legal Medicine and Director of the Institut Médico-légal de Paris, where he leads a CNRS–Paris Cité University–certified research team focused on human identification in complex forensic contexts.

Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe

Anuruddhi Edirisinghe is the Carder Chair & Senior Professor of Forensic Medicine, in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. She commenced her career in Forensic Medicine in 2000. Her research interests include child abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, homicides, vulnerable road users, drunken drivers, unnatural female deaths etc. She has journal publications over 50 (35 index), one book,5 book chapters and over 350 presentations in local/international scientific conferences including plenaries, keynotes, and orations.

Presently she is the chairperson of the women health committee of Sri Lanka Medical Association and the President of International Association of Clinical Forensic Medicine.

Prof. Adrian Linacre

Professor Adrian Linacre is a British forensic scientist specializing in forensic biology and DNA analysis. He has extensive experience in human identification, DNA profiling, and the interpretation of biological evidence in forensic casework. His research also covers wildlife forensic genetics, supporting investigations into illegal trade and species identification. He has published widely in international journals and is actively involved in forensic education and training in the United Kingdom and abroad. Professor Linacre has contributed to the development of best practices and quality standards in forensic science, focusing on the reliability and interpretation of DNA evidence in legal and investigative contexts.

Rathachai Kaewlai

Dr. Rathachai Kaewlai is a Thai academic radiologist and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, with expertise in emergency and forensic imaging. He has been actively involved in the early development and implementation of postmortem CT (PMCT) in Thailand and has played a leading role in advancing forensic imaging nationally through the establishment of the Thai PMCT group and his presidency of the Forensic Radiology & Imaging Network of Thailand (FRINT). His work focuses on integrating postmortem imaging into clinical practice, education, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Oleksandr Pavliukovych

Oleksandr Pavliukovych, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, Bukovinian State Medical University (Ukraine). National Authority Delegates of Ukraine in European Council of Legal & Forensic Medicine (ECLFM), Member of the Balkan Academy of Forensic Scientists (BAFS), the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), the Eastern European Association of Forensic Medicine, the British Association for Human Identification (BAHID). His advanced training includes specialized European programs in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), wound ballistics, and forensic trauma assessment, reflecting his strong expertise in both routine and high-complexity forensic investigations. Alongside his academic and teaching responsibilities, Dr Pavliukovych maintains continuous practical activity at the Chernivtsi Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination, where he serves as an expert in the evaluation of particularly challenging cases, including gunshot trauma, road traffic injuries, and complex combined mechanisms of injury. His professional work integrates clinical forensic practice with evidence-based forensic methodology, contributing to the advancement of forensic diagnostics and medico-legal decision-making.

Jamie Ferrell

A recognized international forensic nurse leader with extensive experience in advancing trauma-informed, evidence-based care for both pediatric and adult victims of violence and exploitation, Jamie Ferrell, MBA, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, DF-IAFN, FAAFS is a founding member and former president of the International Association of Forensic Nurses who served as a task force member establishing the Forensic Nursing Science Section with The American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Her work integrates clinical practice, education, and innovation to strengthen forensic response systems globally by leveraging her deep commitment to protect children while advancing human rights and forensic science standards across disciplines through scientific rigor and human connection.

Ixchel De La Luz-Martinez

Ixchel De La Luz-Martinez is an esteemed Forensic Genetics Expert Witness for Mexico’s federal and state courts and a distinguished academic who has shaped the field through various specialized forensic education programs. As the former President and current International Affairs Manager of the Latin American Society of Forensic Genetics (SLAGF), she has spearheaded regional quality control initiatives and coordinated major scientific conferences across Latin America for over a decade. Guided by the principles of the Sydney Declaration, her expertise is particularly evident in promoting pre-analytical quality by developing forensic methodologies that prioritize children’s and human rights with a gender perspective, ensuring a focus on minorities and vulnerable populations within the justice system.

Bart Latten

Bart Latten, MD, PhD, is a forensic pathologist at the Netherlands Forensic Institute and serves as the co-chair of the IALM 2027. Affiliated with Maastricht University Medical Center, he leads several research projects focusing on postmortem imaging, visualization, and forensic diagnostic techniques. Furthermore, he advances the quality of death investigations through his leadership in professional committees, the development of national guidelines, and his role as an examiner for medical forensic experts.

Yusuf Atan

Asst. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Atan is the Vice President of the Council of Forensic Medicine of Türkiye and a faculty member in the Department of Forensic Medicine at Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Faculty of Medicine. He graduated from medical school in 2012 and completed his specialization in forensic medicine in 2017. Additionally, he holds a law degree.

Veronica Laura Ferrari De Stefano

Veronica Laura Ferrari De Stefano is a Colonel in the Italian State Police, serving as Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Advisor at the Central Directorate of the Scientific and Cyber Police. She is the National Coordinator of the Italian Police DVI Group for unidentified bodies, involved in numerous operational deployments since 2005. Former Medical Director at INAIL and a forensic medicine expert at the University of Rome “La Sapienza.” She holds a degree in Medicine, a specialization in Legal and Insurance Medicine, a PhD in Forensic Biological Sciences, and a Master’s in Legal Psychology. Former Deputy Head of a police unit preventing violence against women and minors.

Uwom Eze

Uwom Eze is a Chief Consultant (Forensic Pathologist and Clinical Forensic Physician) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria, and possesses additional expertise in Legal, Criminology and Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan and an Executive Program in Organisational Leadership from the Center for Creative Leadership, Melbourne Business School, University of Melbourne. He was the President (2021-2015) of the African Society of Forensic Medicine (ASFM), the pan-African Society for forensic medicine and science practitioners. He is currently a member of the Medico-Legal Death Investigation-International Community of Practice (MLDI-ICoP), “…a safe collaborative environment working towards connecting and increasing knowledge of medicolegal death investigation systems globally”, in partnership with CDC Foundation and Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC, USA, and also serves as a Justice of the Peace (JP) in his jurisdiction.

Serap Annette Akgur

Prof. Serap Annette Akgür, MD, PhD, is a faculty member at Ege University, Türkiye, and director of a toxicology laboratory, where she oversees routine drug testing for probation systems, clinical services, and workplaces. She is a board member of EWDTS, IACFT, IAMRO, and an Asian member of TIAFT, focusing on drug testing applications and regulations to prevent drug abuse and addiction.

SC Leung

Specializing in questioned document examination and forensic handwriting analysis, when he retired Mr. SC Leung was head of the Forensic Science Division of the Government Laboratory of Hong Kong, China. In 2002 he was elected President of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) and he organized in 2005, the 17th Triennial Meeting of IAFS in Hong Kong. SC is the Director of Scientific Consultancy Limited, providing specialist forensic document and handwriting examination services to Hong Kong and neighboring countries.

Nermin Sarajlić

Nermin Sarajlić is a Full Professor and former Vice Dean at the University of Sarajevo’s Faculty of Medicine, where he also served as the Head of the Institute of Forensic Medicine. He holds leadership positions as President of the Association of Forensic Medicine of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Co-President of the Balkan Academy of Forensic Sciences. Dr. Sarajlić possesses extensive humanitarian experience, including his work as a Senior Forensic Pathologist for the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP).

Naim Uka

Dr. Naim Uka is a forensic pathologist and legal scholar, currently Head of the Division for Autopsy and Clinical Examinations at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Pristina, Kosovo, and formerly Head of the Division for Identification, Coordination, and Support. He holds a PhD in International Humanitarian Law and a Diploma of the European Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Medicine, and serves as President of the Kosovar Association of Forensic Sciences and co-founder of the Balkan Academy of Forensic Sciences. His work focuses on forensic pathology, identification of missing persons, mass-grave investigations, and the interface between forensic science, international humanitarian law, and human rights.

Muataz A.AL-Qazzaz

Dr. Muataz A. Al-Qazzaz is Professor and Consultant of Forensic Medicine and Head of the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine at the College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. He holds MBChB, DCM, MSc, FICMS (Iraq), and a Medical Board Certificate (Jordan), and has extensive experience in forensic pathology, medico-legal investigations, and academic training in forensic medicine.

Meng Qingzhen

Mr Meng Qingzhen is Chief of International Cooperation Division of Institute of Forensic Science of China. He served as secretariat of Asian Forensic Sciences Network (AFSN) and used to be a forensic DNA expert, now focusing on extending international cooperation and serving for training of personnels around China.

Linton Mohammed

Dr. Linton Mohammed has been a Forensic Document Examiner for almost 40 years. He is the author of “Forensic Examination of Signatures” and co-author of “The Neuroscience of Handwriting: Applications for Forensic Document Examination”. He currently serves as the Secretary of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for the 2025-2026 term.

Josef Sidlo

Professor Jozef Šidlo, MD, CSc, MPH, FIALM, graduated from Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in Hradec Králové, Czech republic, he currently serves as a head of the Institutes of Forensic Medicine of Comenius University and Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, chief expert for forensic medicine of Ministry of Health of Slovak republic, founder and editor of the journal “Folia Societatis Medicinae Legalis Slovacae”, speaker, invited speaker, chairperson and organiser by various national and international congresses and conferences, member of several national and international professional societies and recipient of the several national and international awards.

Hu Lan

Dr Hu Lan is Director-general of Institute of Forensic Science of China and Asian Forensic Sciences Network(AFSN) Board Member. She is forensic DNA expert, having lots of experience both on scientific research and casework, also serving as professor and PhD supervisor in People’s Public Security University of China.

Fahad Ibrahim Al-Dossari

Dr. Fahad Ibrahim Al-Dossari is a Kuwaiti forensic science specialist and former police general, holding a PhD in Police and Forensic Sciences from the University of Exeter and a Master’s in Forensic Science from The George Washington University. He works as a researcher, consultant, and international trainer in forensic investigation, digital evidence, and AI-assisted investigative methodologies. Dr. Al-Dosari is the developer of the “Hybrid Investigator” frameworks, integrating legal, physical, identity, and algorithmic evidence into modern investigative practice.

Elif Gunce Eskikoy

M. Elif Günçe Eskiköy, PhD, ICRC Regional Forensic Manager for Europe and Central Asia. Dr. Günçe Eskiköy is an expert in forensic operations within complex humanitarian settings. Her work sits at the critical intersection of international humanitarian law and transitional justice. She leverages forensic science for long term social reconciliation and integrates humanitarian diplomacy into forensic practice to ensure that scientific evidence serves the broader goal of international peace and reconciliation.

Domingo Villarreal

Lieutenant Domingo Villarreal is a Senior Forensic and Law Enforcement Advisor with the U.S. Department of Justice ICITAP and serves as Lieutenant of the Special Investigations Division with the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office (Texas). He is a Past President and Past Chairman of the Board of the International Association for Identification (IAI) and currently serves as its Acting International Representative, with extensive experience in forensic science, international training, and accreditation across multiple regions worldwide.

Darrell Mathews

Darrell has been the CEO of the Chartered Society for 4 years after a long career running professional bodies and membership organisations. He represents members on many forums, and deals with governmental bodies such as the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Office of the Forensic Science Regulator. He is a member of the All Parliamentary Party Group for Science in Parliament, with frequent visits to Westminster. He leads the Society’s work across the UK on Educational standards with Universities and Competency assessments for Crime Scene Investigators. He is co-chair of the Society’s working groups on Case Review and Legal Aid.

Chris Milroy

Christopher Milroy is a Forensic Pathology based in Ottawa, Canada, where he is a Full Professor at the University of Ottawa. He is the current President of the Canadian Association of Forensic Medicne and serves on the Board of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. He qualified in medicine from the University of Liverpool in England in 1983. He also has law degrees from the University of London and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists and the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. He has been engaged fulltime in Forensic Pathology for over 35 years. He has published 150 papers and chapters on forensic pathology and edits the textbook Forensic Neuropathology . He is the current Editor of Academic Forensic Pathology. His research interests include biochemistry and the autopsy and the history of forensic medicine. 

Ankit Srivastava

Dr. Srivastava is a distinguished academician in Forensic Science with more than 15 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. He is presently working as Associate Professor (Forensic Sciences) and Director, Centre for Studies & Research in Forensic Sciences at The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata, India. He has authored several research publications and books in reputed national and international journals. He is actively associated with multiple universities and journals worldwide as an advisory board member, editorial board member, reviewer, and external expert.

Andreas Melinato

Andreas Melinato is a forensic engineer and fire investigator, currently serving as Head of Institution at the European Forensic Institute in Malta. He has over 25 years of experience in forensic science, specializing in forensic engineering, fire and explosion investigations, and anti-counterfeiting. He is Past President and Life Member of the European Association of Fire Investigators and Vice President of the European Association of Crime Analysts. With more than 20 years of experience as a lecturer in forensic science and technology at private educational institutions and universities, he also has extensive experience as an expert witness in court and as a forensic consultant for law enforcement agencies and private organizations.

Alexandre Rafael Deitos

Alexandre Raphael Deitos is a Federal Police Forensic Officer from Brazil with extensive experience in crime scene investigation, forensic anthropology, and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) operations worldwide. He holds a Doctorate, Master’s degree, and Specialization in Forensic Odontology, Social Dentistry, Forensic Anthropology, and Human Rights, and serves as Full Professor at the University of São Paulo (USP) and the National Police Academy. He currently chairs the INTERPOL DVI Working Group and coordinates the Brazilian Federal Police’s Permanent Commission on DVI, and has previously led the Forensics Division at the National Institute of Criminalistics and served as President of the Brazilian Association of Forensic Anthropology.

Alexander Tyr

Alexander Tyr, MSc, PhD, is a forensic scientist based in Sweden and serves as a Scientific Development Officer and Research Coordinator at the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine. With a background in biomedicine and human anatomy, his professional experience spans academic research and governmental forensic practice. His work focuses on advancing the objectivity and scientific rigor of forensic investigations, with particular interests in drowning, the application of alternate light sources, and restraint-related deaths.

Dr Sheila Willis

Sheila Willis studied at University College Dublin where she received her Ph.D. in Organometallic Chemistry. 

Most of her career was in the Forensic Science Laboratory, Republic of Ireland where she was Director General 2002-2017.

From 2017-2019 she was a Guest Researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the US, reviewing the scientific foundations of DNA mixture interpretation.

She is a Past President of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, was active in ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes) groups including chairing the EAFS( European Academy of Forensic Science) Standing Committee  from 2003-2006. She was chairperson of the Association of Forensic Science Providers 2006-2009 and represented the group on the UKFS Regulator’s Advisory Council 2007-2010.

She served on the editorial board of Science and Justice 2007-2014;  Forensic Science – Policy and Management 2007-2014 and the Special Edition of Forensic Science International for all of EAFS conferences since 2006.

She now works as a consultant in various parts of the world. She is a Fellow of Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science and has an honorary professorship from University of Dundee. 

Sheila received an honorary doctorate from UCD, 2019 and an honorary doctorate from University of Lausanne, 2024.

The need to emphasise the foundational principles of forensic science drive a lot of Sheila’s activity. She chaired the group who produced the ENFSI guideline for evaluative reporting and is one of the group who formulated and promoted the Sydney Declaration.

Professor Jason Payne-James

LLM MSc FFFLM FRCS FRCP FCSFS FACLM FFCFM(RCPA) RCPathME DFM LBIPP DipMOD

Jason Payne-James is an independent Specialist in Forensic and Legal Medicine with a range of research and clinical interests. From a clinical perspective he has been a forensic physician for more than three decades. Previously he worked in hospital medicine, predominantly in surgical, trauma and gastroenterology specialties. He taught anatomy at the London Hospital Medical College (where he trained in medicine). His academic, clinical and teaching interests are wide-ranging and include injury, wound and scar documentation and interpretation; evidential sampling; sexual assault;  non-fatal strangulation;  restraint and less-lethal systems (use-of-force, TASER®, spit guards, irritant spray, kinetic energy projectiles); miscarriages of justice;  clinical and ethical aspects of healthcare in custody and secure settings; death investigation; substance use; human rights abuses and torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment; forensic evidence collection;  cause of death and the role of postmortem CT scanning.

He is Honorary Clinical Professor at Queen Mary University of London; consultant to the UK National Crime Agency; Chair of the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons; President of the European Council of Legal & Forensic Medicine. He is past-President of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians (2015-2017); past-President of the World Police Medical Officers (2011-2014).  He was Lead Medical Examiner at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital from 2019-2025. He is director of Forensic Healthcare Services Ltd.

He has co-authored or co-edited the Encyclopedia of Forensic & Legal Medicine (1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd editions); the 13^th, 14th and 15^th editions of Simpson’s Forensic Medicine, Current Practice in Forensic Medicine (1^st, 2^nd  and 3^rd editions); the Oxford Handbook of Forensic Medicine (1^st and 2^nd editions); The Medical Examiner System in England & Wales: A Practical Guide; Symptoms & Signs of Substance Use (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th editions) and Forensic & Legal Medicine: Clinical & Pathological Aspects. His medicolegal and expert witness practice extends across the UK and internationally and he has reviewed or investigated a wide variety of deaths and serious crime  for (amongst others) criminal prosecution and defence teams, families, coroners, police and the media.

Professor Antti Sajantila

MD, PhD, Specialist in Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland

Antti Sajantila is a leading Forensic Medicine specialist with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice, postmortem investigations, and forensic genomics. At the University of Helsinki, he directs Forensic Medicine education and oversees the training of future specialists. In addition, he serves as Chief Medical Examiner at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. His academic work focuses on DNA analysis in forensic and archaeological contexts. Sajantila is an Ordinary Member of the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters and has been awarded the Medal of Honor by the Finnish Association for Cherishing the Memory of the Dead of the War.

Internationally, Professor Sajantila has contributed to disaster victim identification (including the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami) and forensic investigations of human rights abuses in Peru, Colombia, Tanzania, Brazil, and Nepal. He is Vice-President of the European Council of Legal and Forensic Medicine and a Board Member of the Independent Forensic Expert Group. His contributions have been recognized with honors such as Professor honoraria causae at the Pontifical University of Lima, the Finnish Medical Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Science Prize, and the International Society for Forensic Genetics Scientific Prize.

Professor Sajantila has published approximately 250 peer-reviewed papers in journals ranging from Nature and Science to leading forensic and population genetics outlets. He has also authored chapters in key textbooks on forensic medicine and forensic DNA analysis, making significant contributions to both scientific research and professional education.