After Action Report on the IAFS Meeting

It was a tremendous privilege to represent the Academy at the recent triennial meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) held in Sofia, Bulgaria. Immediate Past-President Joanna Collins and I spent a week at the IAFS, along with numerous other AAFS members, with nearly all sections represented. Academy members presented abstracts, conducted workshops, and moderated scientific sessions. Other events included a gala dinner in an outdoor setting and a costume party that was sponsored by International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging. Joanna and I also were able to present the Douglas M. Lucas Medal to Dr. Sheila Willis for her outstanding contributions to the forensic sciences  

A few of us had the opportunity to spend a morning at the local Forensic Medicine Center, where we interacted with the staff, including forensic pathologists, a histology technician, a DNA specialist, and a forensic toxicologist.  A small group spent another morning as the guests of the America for Bulgaria Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds various efforts and entrepreneurial projects that strengthen the bond between our two countries.

I suspect that many of you know Yanko Kolev, the president of the IAFS for the past three years and our host and master of ceremonies for the week. Yanko presided over a terrific meeting, which was the culmination of over three years of work.  He was a gracious host and freely made time in his busy schedule to make us all feel welcomed.

The next meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences will be held in Rio De Janeiro in 2029. Bulgaria set the bar extremely high, but I cannot wait to see what our Brazilians come up with.