President's Spotlight—Back to Basics

It has been two months since the 77th Annual Scientific Conference of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences was held in Baltimore, MD, under the leadership of Immediate Past President Christopher "Kip" Thompson.

Over 3,100 attendees gathered from 56 different countries to focus on the theme of Technology: A Tool for Transformation or Tyranny? The program consisted of 26 workshops, 371 poster presentations, 585 oral presentations, 8 Case Breaks, 5 Deep Dives, 1 Luncheon, and 5 presentations at the Last Word Society in addition to amazing speakers and presentations in the Plenary Session, Interdisciplinary Session, and the Keynote Address.

The program was a resounding success, in no small part due to AAFS Program Chair Karen Rosenbaum and Co-Chair Claire Shepard, and was filled with dynamic presentations, discussions, and invaluable networking. I would like to thank the Program Committee, all the speakers/presenters, the many volunteers, President Thompson for his vision and leadership, and last but not least, the amazing Academy Staff for an informative, thought-provoking, and memorable conference.

Planning for each conference has its challenges, but the work of these individuals deserves recognition and a heartfelt "Thank you" for contributing to the membership experience and conference success.

2025-2026 AAFS Theme

As we move into the next year, I am humbled and honored by the confidence the membership has placed in me as your next President. I am excited about the year ahead and proud to announce the 2026 AAFS Annual Scientific Conference theme is

Back to Basics: The Fundamentals of Forensic Science.

It is a two-pronged theme in which the focus is on the individual disciplines/science involved and, more importantly, the individual practitioners who are the foundation to the implementation of the science.  

This topic seems timely and important as we continue to see more individuals being exonerated for a myriad of reasons, including faulty science, a lack of thorough investigation and analysis, and, in some instances, misrepresentation of facts and results.

Additionally, the focus on the basic fundamentals of the various disciplines within the forensic sciences and the application of the scientific method is critical to ensuring justice is carried out appropriately. Our allegiance as forensic scientists should be to the science itself and not a "side" or the recipient of the information developed. This starts with those who first respond to the scene and includes every scientific practitioner who is involved in the case at every stage.

Back to Basics means: 

• A focus on the ethical application of the science/discipline
• Continued standards development and implementation
• Considering all opinions/hypothesis (scientific method)
• Remaining neutral, objective, and free from influence
• Staying true to the discipline and the science

Back to basics does not mean forgoing the advancements in both technology and processes/procedures.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the fundamentals of the science of the various forensic disciplines and the human contributions, analysis, and reasoning involved. Forensic science encompasses many disciplines that are interdependent upon each other during the justice process. Each discipline is dependent upon the one before them to get it right, from the scene investigators to the medical professionals, to the laboratory analysts to the courtroom. 

Application of the Science

Without a focus on the application of the individual science in an ethical manner, the entire system has the potential to fail. Failures can be a wrongful conviction of an innocent individual or the guilty not being held responsible for a crime they actually committed.

Prioritizing the Practitioner

The second focus of the meeting theme is on the practitioners as individuals. These practitioners/scientists are the most important foundation of forensic science. The science does not work on its own, the practitioners put it into practice. They are the bedrock of our disciplines and the ultimate pursuit of justice. The workload is relentless, the demands are high, and the expectations can sometimes be overwhelming.

Due to these demands, and the traumatic nature of our work, the practitioner's well-being must be a priority. Vicarious trauma, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout are all real issues facing forensic scientists. These topics have started to garner recognition, and more research is being conducted to reinforce the importance of balance and well-being.

As such, I have asked the Presidential Ad Hoc Committee on Vicarious Trauma, led by Chair Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar, to take an active role in developing content responsive to the meeting theme, and they have already hit the ground running.

Many of you have already seen and responded to the AAFS Vicarious Trauma Survey — Thank You. If you haven't done so already, please complete the survey so we can gain a better understanding of the status of our members and how best to support each other (https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2rjqi1IQWPfA8Pc).

Addressing Concerns

Many have expressed concern over changes in our national landscape and how it will impact our members. I want to reassure the membership that the Executive Committee and Board of Directors are engaged at multiple levels within the forensic science community to stay abreast of changes and ensure our voices, concerns, and requirements are heard.

We continue to be actively involved in the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations (CFSO) to monitor and influence legislation related to the forensic sciences. Having been in this field for almost 30 years, I've seen many changes. Changes impact everyone and everything in various ways, but we are scientists and must continue to operate and focus on the science. To take a quote from the 2025 Keynote Speaker, Michael Rogers, "All of these changes will take place, make the best of them."

AAFS 2026. New Orleans, LA

I am excited about the year ahead and look forward to seeing everyone at the 78th Annual Scientific Conference in New Orleans, LA, February 9-13, 2026. The AAFS Program Committee is led by Chair Claire Shepard and Co-Chair Kathryn Pinneri. Plans are already underway for an amazing conference you won't want to miss.

And . . . our annual conference immediately precedes Mardi Gras, with many parades and other activities scheduled during our meeting. The AAFS Staff are aware of the timing and have taken steps to ensure adequate hotel accommodations will be available for our membership.

Be on the lookout for conference registration information and hotel reservation information later this summer.