Anthropology Section Program—Orlando 2027

It is hard to believe that it is already time to begin submitting abstracts for the 2027 AAFS Conference. ​This year, President Jim Caruso has announced the theme of "Around the World and Beyond." Dr. Caruso's theme intends to highlight international collaboration and fellowship in the forensic sciences as well as looking beyond our world to forensic and jurisprudence questions regarding space and space travel. You can learn more about the 2027 Conference theme here: https://www.aafs.org/article/presidents-spotlight-around-world-and-beyond.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION: Abstract submissions are now being accepted and will close on August 1, 2026. ​Anthropology members are encouraged to submit abstracts, symposia proposals, and workshop proposals that support this year's theme, if possible. Your section program chair and co-chair will be working with the conference program chair, Kathy Pinneri, as well as other section program chairs and anthropology section reviewers to determine which abstracts meet or exceed the standards set forth by AAFS and our section to be selected to present in Orlando in February, 2027.​

It is important to note that AAFS has asked that the presentations selected this year include the following key components: evidence of scientific rigor, practical relevance, timely and emerging topics, foundational educational content, diverse perspectives and presenters, balance across disciplines, and opportunities for interaction and discussion. They have also suggested that each scientific session should ensure relevance to various levels of training including students and experienced practitioners. Abstracts submitted should include relevant information about the topic or research question as well as detailed results information. Please see the detailed call for proposals that will be sent out by AAFS and posted to the AAFS website next week.

SYMPOSIUM PROPOSALS: For those interested in submitting a symposium proposal, it is important to note that AAFS doesn't currently have a specific mechanism for submission of those proposals.​Instead, those interested in submitting a symposium proposal should submit the proposal directly to the Anthropology Program Chair and Co-Chair for review no later than July 1, 2026.​Each symposium proposal should include the following information: symposium title, abstract/justification for the symposium that fits with the president's theme, and titles of each presentation to be included in the symposium with author information. 

​Please note that the acceptance of a symposium proposal does not guarantee acceptance of each of the abstracts submitted. Each submitted abstract must still be submitted via the AAFS abstract submission portal and will be reviewed with the rest of the abstracts. ​When authors submit their abstracts as part of an accepted symposium, the authors should add in the comments section that this abstract is being submitted for XXXX Symposium to help flag it in the system. ​It is also anticipated that the symposium organizers serve as moderator or co-moderator for the symposium.

ABSTRACT REVIEWERS: In anticipation of our abstract review period, we are soliciting volunteers to assist with the abstract review. Abstract reviewers will be provided detailed information regarding how to review the abstracts within the AAFS abstract portal. This will include two opportunities for reviewer training in later July. If you are interested in serving as a reviewer, please contact your section program chair or co-chair directly.​

SESSION MODERATORS: As we work to put the program together for 2027, we will also need volunteers to serve as in-person moderators and co-moderators for the scientific sessions in Orlando, FL. If you know that you will be attending AAFS in Feb 2027 and would like to serve as a moderator, please reach out to your section program chair and co-chair no later than August 1, 2026.​

MEETING REGISTRATION: Meeting registration is set to open in late September 2026.​

We are looking forward to the opportunity to work with all of you to create high-quality scientific sessions for the 2027 AAFS Conference. We cannot accomplish this without your help; whether it is submitting quality abstracts, volunteering to serve as reviewers, or volunteering to assist as moderators, we will need your assistance to create fantastic 2027 Anthropology Section Session offerings in February 2027 in Orlando!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out (maria.tt@bexar.org or cmcrowder@tarrantcountytx.gov).