Where to From Here? Reflections.

The IAFS - International Association of Forensic Sciences conference has come and gone, after a long-anticipated wait, marking a significant milestone in my journey as a forensic scientist. The week saw me wearing multiple hats - from being a discipline convener and a session chair to delivering oral and poster presentations, and participating as an invited plenary speaker for the "Where to From Here?" (WTFH) panel discussion.

It was also my first time back on home soil in almost 5 years. Returning to Australia after such a long absence added a layer of excitement to the experience. It was a time for reuniting with old friends and colleagues and forging connections with new faces that represent the future of our field.

As I reflect on these past five years, I am filled with immense gratitude for the unwavering support and encouragement I've received. To my mentors, colleagues, friends, and parents, your belief in me during challenging times has been a source of strength and inspiration. Your guidance, understanding, and patience have not only helped me navigate through the layered complexities of ‘expat life’, but have also played a definitive role in my personal and professional growth. Thank you for being my pillars of support, for celebrating my successes, and for being there through every setback. I know you know who you are! ;)

1,707 delegates from 70 countries!!!!

The IAFS conference was a global gathering, with representatives from all corners of the world converging in one space. The diverse range of cultures and perspectives present enriched our discussions and underscored the collaborative nature of forensic science, which transcends borders and unites us all.

The conference was JAM packed covering 22 forensic disciplines

Including: Anthropology & Archaeology, Biological Criminalistics, Chemical Criminalistics, Clinical Forensic Medicine & Forensic Nursing, Crime Scene Investigation, Document Examination, Education & Training, Digital Forensic Science & Electronic Evidence, Fingerprint Evidence & Biometrics, Firearms & Toolmarks, Fires & Explosions, Forensic Pathology, Forensic Taphonomy & Entomology, Humanitarian Forensic Science, Illicit Drugs & Clandestine Laboratories, Management & Quality Assurance, Military Forensic Science & Counterterrorism, Odontology, Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences, Science, Justice & Legal Issues, Toxicology & Pharmacology, and Wildlife Forensics & Environmental Crime.

Full IAFS 2023 program here

Fingerprint Evidence & Biometrics

In summary

Digital posters

The trends in posters focus on enhancing visualisation techniques for latent fingerprints with novel materials and technologies, such as nanoparticles and phosphorescent powders. There's always a push towards non-destructive methods and the application of advanced imaging like FLIM and hyperspectral cameras. Another trend is the intersection of traditional forensic science with digital technology, including AI, to improve the reliability of fingerprint and facial recognition. The presentations also highlight a movement towards environmentally friendly and cost-effective forensic practices, as well as the exploration of biometrics in unique contexts, such as underwater, wildlife conservation and child safety in digital environments.

Oral Presentations

Day one of the "Fingerprint Evidence & Biometrics" discipline presented a variety of studies discussing error rates, human factors, and advancements in automated and computer-assisted approaches. Presentations included the 2022 FBI Black Box study, accuracy and uncertainty in fingerprint determinations ‘Down-Under’, the application of fingerprints in conservation efforts. Technological evaluations by NIST, Lights-Out searching, and the perception of minutiae frequency, the examination of phalanges, and classificayion abilties. The day concluded with insights into the digitalisation of fingerprint workflow and Tenprint processing , “an unlikely scenario”, and the performance of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).

Day two highlighted advances in fingermark visualisation and recovery techniques, artificial fingermark simulants for research, and challenges in fingermark visualisation. Talks included fingermark recovery from ammunition and explosives, and techniques for fingermark detection on varied materials, including leather and plastic, and portable detection chambers for quick on-site development. The day concluded with discussions on the use of surfactants and alternative solvents in a world without HFE7100.

The third and final day of the biometric stream presented innovative forensic techniques, such as using fluorophore-functionalised nanoparticles for latent fingerprint visualisation and protocols for soft plastics. Discussions covered the characteristics of faux bloody fingerprints, authorship in charred documents, and advancements in facial recognition technology, including its challenges and the impact of AI.

To spotlight facial biometrics, experts discussed the future and current state of facial identification, the integration of human expertise with improving algorithms in facial recognition, and the challenges in explainable AI. Transparency and reproducibility in facial comparison cases were emphasised as crucial for maintaining reliability in forensic face analysis. The pathway to expertise for forensic facial image examiners was also outlined, detailing the necessary training and skills for proficiency in this specialised field.

The afternoon session was followed by a final WTFH panel discussion and included the discipline conveners, and the keynote speakers. Thank you to fellow discipline conveners for the amazing team work!

Plenary Sessions

The conference agenda is organised into key plenary sessions across four days. A brilliant line-up of esteemed speakers and leaders in the field. Check out the brilliant line up below!

In summary: Plenary Session A on Tuesday focused on 'Forensic Science in a Post-Pandemic World', examining the adaptations and lessons learned in forensics due to the pandemic. Plenary Session B on Wednesday was dedicated to 'Forensic Intelligence', discussing the latest methods and technologies. Thursday's Plenary Session C explored 'Global Strategies on Gender-Based Violence & Missing Persons'. Finally, Plenary Session D on Friday reflected on future directions with 'Where to from here?', setting the stage for the evolution of forensic science.

Plenary D Panel Session - Where to from here?

Moderated by Dr Simon Walsh, Chief Scientist with the Australian Federal Police, this panel session will explore the nature and purpose of the Sydney Declaration and will showcase expert views across several ‘disciplines’ in response to the main question posed at IAFS 2023: Where to from here?

I feel very humbled to have shared the stage with esteemed scientists and leaders of the field. Special shout out to Dr Simon Walsh PSM who facilitated and led our session with natural poise and ease, and the brilliant panel for enlightening the group. Throughout the panel, several overarching themes emerged as focal points for advancing our field. Ethics in forensic practices and behaviours were at the forefront of discussions, emphasising our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity. Furthermore, the need for greater diversity in the selection of panellists and plenary speakers was repeatedly emphasised. Embracing technology and exploring the future in forensic biometrics, digital forensics, and emerging technology were central to the 'WTFH' discussions. I am a strong believer that until we as a collective improve our ethical standards, adhere to our codes, and behave in a manner that aligns with the values of forensic scientists, we can’t initiate and maintain long-lasting change. Resistance towards science in many of the disciplines comes down to a misalignment with how we perceive ourselves, our duty to the court, and our shared role in public safety.

Personal view

What are principles without ethics?

In point form... a few requirements.

How do we drive best practice, initiate change, indoctrinate the indoctrinated, and move toward more objective, transparent, balanced, and reliable forensic applications and outcomes?

Driving Best Practice in the Industry:

• Re-examine the role of forensic scientists in terms of their ethical duties to the court and public safety.

Initiating Change:

• Emphasise ethics as the foundation for improvement. Revisit the role of forensic scientists as public servants.
• Ensure practitioner competency includes knowledge, skills, attitude, and experience.
• Address organisational culture, recruitment, hierarchy, and leadership.

Un-indoctrinating the Indoctrinated:

• Tackle unethical behaviour and promote a transparent, ethical environment in forensic science.

Human-Based Methods and the toward the Evaluative Approach:

• Balance human expertise and technology.
• Validate and peer-review new tools, open source.
• Use likelihood ratios responsibly, with transparency and consensus.
• Recognise the effectiveness and limitations of different approaches in practical settings.

Looking Ahead:

• Foresee next-generation examiners being more digital, transparent, accountable, objective, and collaborative – without borders!
• Embrace emerging technology and address challenges with human-computer interaction.?

Until next time…

To ALL the individuals who submitted an abstract and therefore who have the courage to be vulnerable. Your passion to share your knowledge on an international platform is admirable. Recognise your contributions and efforts!

Heartfelt congratulations go out to all the well-deserving awardees, whether they were presenters of posters or oral presentations. Your contributions are shaping the future of forensic science.

Special shoutout to the sponsors, Arinex, and to organising committee, Ali Ross, Chris Lennard , and Claude Roux and their team who kept us motivated through trying times. To the countless individuals who contributed to the strong scientific program, and to the fun! The IAFS conference was a resounding success, leaving us with a clear vision of "Where to From Here?" for our field.

To all past, present, and future forensic scientists - until next time. Your relentless and often underappreciated work in the pursuit of justice and more reliable public safety outcomes is profoundly admirable. Together, we are charting a brighter and more innovative future for forensic science, one conference at a time.

I leave you with this...

The Man in the Arena - Teddy Roosevelt ?

See you in Bulgaria!!!

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