American Academy of Forensic Sciences Holds 70th Annual Scientific Meeting in Seattle, Washington

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Forensic Sciences' (AAFS) 70th Annual Scientific Meeting will take place Feb. 19-24, 2018, at the Washington State Convention Center. Themed "Science Matters" by AAFS President Betty Layne DesPortes, JD, MS, more than 4,000 national and international forensic professionals are expected to present breaking advances in the forensic sciences and hold discussions on issues facing the profession.

Current initiatives include a continued focus on research, fostering the research culture in forensic science, and expanding and integrating forensic science research within the broader scientific community. Scientific sessions will be presented on topics specific to 11 disciplines of the forensic sciences, covering a multi­disciplinary range of human, technical, medical, and scientific endeavors as they apply to civil disputes and criminal investigations.

Meeting highlights include two major presentations: the opening evening session, 8-10 p.m., Tues., Feb. 20, and the annual plenary session, 9-11 a.m., on Wed., Feb. 21, both at the Washington State Convention Center. The evening session, "Forensic Science in the Public Eye: Diversity, Research and Communication," features a panel of journalists, television producers and a Washington state cannabis activist, who will bring their unique experiences regarding how to communicate the work of forensic scientists, their research, and their diversity to effect change in society. The plenary session, titled "Science Matters," examines the importance of the human examiner in forensic work. The forensic investigator is the instrument of analysis, bringing cognitive processing that underpins various aspects of forensic work. The scope and relevance of cognitive forensics will be presented, and the relevant research will be summarized to demonstrate its implication to forensic practice.

The plenary session panelists include Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein, United States Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.; Itiel Dror, PhD, University College London, Department of Security and Crime Science; Rush D. Holt, PhD, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, D.C.; and AAFS President Betty Layne DesPortes, JD, MS, Benjamin & DesPortes, PC, Richmond, Virginia.

For updates on AAFS during the scientific meeting, visit the AAFS newsfeed at www.aafs.org.

COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION FOR JOURNALISTS: Individuals able to document a current direct con­nection with the news media may receive free registration at the AAFS registration desk, as may journalism students by presenting letterhead-stationery certification that they are attending as part of a class activity. Everyone seeking access to any aspect of the annual meeting must be registered. Press attending special functions (e.g., workshops, seminars, luncheons) are required to preregister and pay the designated fees by the preregistration deadline of February 2, 2018.

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences is a multidisciplinary professional organization providing leader­ship to advance science and its application to the legal system. The objectives of the Academy are to promote professionalism, integrity, competency, and education, and to foster research, improve practice, and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences.

Organized in 1948, AAFS serves a distinguished and diverse membership of more than 6,700 forensic-science professionals who are the focal point for public information when forensic-science issues are addressed in the public domain. AAFS publishes the internationally recognized Journal of Forensic Sciences. For more informa­tion, visit www.aafs.org.

Follow us on Facebook.

SOURCE The American Academy of Forensic Sciences

Related Links

http://www.aafs.org