THE MAIN EVENT: NOVEMBER 18-20, 2024

Join us virtually on Monday November 18th - Wednesday November 20th, 2024 to learn how NIST scientists are using advanced methods in metrology, computer science and statistics to strengthen forensic science.

Topic Areas to be covered include:

• Biometrics
• Digital and Multimedia
• Drugs/Toxicology
• Evidential Statistics
• Firearm and Toolmarks
• Forensic Genetics
• Quality Assurance
• Trace 
• CSAFE Forensic Statistics Center of Excellence   

Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during a virtual Q&A.

OPTIONAL WORKSHOPS: THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2024

Each workshop is limited to 175 attendees. Registrations will be approved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Attendees must register to attend the main session (November 18-20, 2024) in order to register for a workshop.  In order to accommodate as many participants as possible, please register for workshops only if you plan to attend.

Workshops:

• Application and Implementation of 3D Technology, Algorithms, and Statistics for Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Analysis Thursday, November 21, 2024 (8:00AM EST – 12:00PM EST)

  This workshop aims to provide forensic practitioners, laboratory managers, legal personnel, and researchers with knowledge of emerging technologies for forensic firearm and toolmark analysis. Training topics include different styles of microscopes for measuring three-dimensional (3D) toolmark topography, measurement quality assurance, data processing, toolmark similarity scores, statistical frameworks for estimating the strength of the evidence, and virtual comparison microscopy (VCM). Participants will learn about the advantages and current limitations of these emerging technologies, the development of documentary standards, and strategies for implementation in casework.

• Analytical Challenges in Seized Drug Analysis Thursday, November 21, 2024 (1:00PM EST – 5:00PM EST)

  Forensic laboratories have faced new challenges over the past few years that have pushed their scientist, protocols, and instrumentation to adapt to the routinely changing landscape of seized drug analysis. Forensic scientists have been pushed to develop or modify existing methods to include sample preparation, isomer differentiation, and identification of unknown substances. This workshop will include three sessions for each of these challenges with topical and case study presentations. Attendees will be split into smaller groups to discuss approaches forensic scientists would employ in their laboratories for each case study presentation. The objective of this workshop is to continue to improve analytical methods and forensic scientist capabilities to address these challenges. The hope is to also inspire an active dialogue among scientists and improve collaboration as new challenges emerge in the seized drug analysis.