AAFS 2027

S3: Interdisciplinary Symposium

From Earth to Orbit: Foundations and Frontiers

Tuesday, February 16, 2027 | 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Program Description: The 2027 AAFS Annual Scientific Conference's Interdisciplinary Symposium (IDS) explores the connections among forensic innovation, emerging trends, and ethics and leadership. The program includes a keynote address, two focused sessions, and a panel discussion. Bringing together experts from across forensic science disciplines, the symposium will examine strategies for advancing the field while supporting its practitioners, with the goal of strengthening the long-term viability of forensic science.

The symposium begins with a Keynote Address titled "The Bridge Over Troubled Waters," featuring speakers Sarah Chu, Roderick Kennedy, Carla Noziglia, Virginia Lynch, and Maria Ciruzzi, who will explore critical frameworks for ethical leadership, collaboration, and systemic problem-solving in forensics. Following the keynote, the first session, "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (moderated by Laura Labay), dives into technical applications and data challenges. This session features Ivan Jerković and Željana Bašić evaluating forensic semiotics and AI overinterpretation, alongside Jenna Aungst presenting an ultrasound-guided minimally invasive autopsy protocol for long-duration spaceflight.Learning Objectives: This session provides attendees with practical insights and strategies for navigating the rapidly evolving forensic landscape. Participants will examine the risks of context loss in artificial intelligence, along with developments in investigative genetic genealogy, postmortem protocols for extreme environments, and early warning systems for emerging drugs. The program will also promote the field's long-term sustainability by strengthening ethical leadership and collegial support across disciplines. By linking established methods with emerging challenges and innovations, the session will help participants identify the approaches and resources needed to support reliable forensic work.

The second session, "Foundation and Earth" (moderated by Lynn Garcia), shifts focus to institutional sustainability, emerging global threats, and advanced technologies. It features L. Kathleen Sekula and Janean Fossum addressing workforce sustainability and professional wellness, Colleen Fitzpatrick providing insights on Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), and Barry Logan delivering critical guidance on the detection of new and emerging drugs in global markets. Together, these sessions will explore the vital interplay between adopting advanced, ethically sound investigative technologies and cultivating a resilient workforce, reinforcing the collective responsibility to ensure that forensic science remains credible, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of justice.

Learning Objectives: This session provides attendees with practical insights and strategies for navigating the rapidly evolving forensic landscape. Participants will examine the risks of context loss in artificial intelligence, along with developments in investigative genetic genealogy, postmortem protocols for extreme environments, and early warning systems for emerging drugs. The program will also promote the field's long-term sustainability by strengthening ethical leadership and collegial support across disciplines. By linking established methods with emerging challenges and innovations, the session will help participants identify the approaches and resources needed to support reliable forensic work.

Impact Statement: This session will strengthen the forensic science community by encouraging disciplines to address shared challenges collectively rather than in isolation. Its emphasis on critical evaluation, ethical decision-making, and practitioner support can inform more consistent standards, improve communication across specialties, and promote responsible reactions to emerging technologies and threats.

Target Audience: All Disciplines
Knowledge Level: Basic