ASB Newsletter – January 23, 2026

The 78th Annual Scientific Conference of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Back to Basics: The Fundamentals of Forensic Science
February 9-14, 2026 - New Orleans, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Forensics and Standards: 10 Years of the AAFS Standards Board
Over the last two decades, scientists, lawmakers, and professionals have been working to address challenges by setting clear standards for forensic science that make sure evidence is collected, tested, and presented in the most reliable way possible. These standards also provide the forensic community with a means to advocate for resources to meet the standards. Read more about 10 years of the ASB here! 

Stop by the AAFS Store in New Orleans to purchase your ASB 10-year Anniversary Pen! 

Order Your Very Own ASB 10-year Anniversary Gear!
The ASB now has a Lands End Business Store! Choose your item and Apply Logo to add the special limited time 10-year Anniversary Logo! Visit the Storefront! 

Sponsor the AAFS Standards Board (ASB) 10^th Anniversary Reception
Help us celebrate 10 years of the ASB! With a contribution of $2,000 or more, sponsors are offered the opportunity to host a table and attend the reception. This event offers a valuable two-hour window for our members to connect with each other-and, importantly, with you.  If you prefer to support the reception without setting up a table, contributions of $500 or more will be acknowledged with signage recognizing your support of the food and beverages provided during the event (contact tambrosius@aafs.org for more information).

Register Now for AAFS 2026

ASB Documents Open for Public Comment

The ASB encourages all interested parties to provide comments on documents in progress.

The following documents are open for public comment:

• ASB Std 036, Standard for Test Method Selection, Development, Validation, and Verification in Forensic Toxicology, Second Edition (ASB Comment Deadline, Extended to February 2, 2026)
• Recirculation * - ASB Std 136, Forensic Laboratory Standard for Prevention, Monitoring, and Mitigation of Human DNA Contamination (ASB Comment Deadline, February 12, 2026)
• Recirculation* - ASB BPR 183, Best Practice Recommendation for Limited Friction Ridge Examinations (Comment Deadline, February 16, 2026)
• ASB G 236, Guideline for Conducting Test Method Development, Validation, and Verification in Forensic Toxicology (ASB Comment Deadline, Extended to February 2, 2026)

* Please note that comments on a recirculation will only be accepted on revised sections of a document, comments made to text not revised from the previous public comment period will not be accepted.

The documents and additional information on the ASB can be accessed through the ASB website  

Published Standards

To date, the ASB has published over 130 Standards/Best Practice Recommendations and Technical Reports. All ASB standards can be accessed through the ASB site.

Project Initiation Notification

The following proposed new documents have recently been approved by the ASB for work:

• ASB Std 035-202x, Standard for the Examination of Documents for Alterations (revision of ANSI/ASB Std 035-2020)
  PINS response end date of 2/1/2026
• ASB Std 117-202x, Standard for the Examination of Stamping Devices and Stamp Impressions (revision of ANSI/ASB STD 117-2020)
  PINS response end date of 2/1/2026
• ASB BPR 068-202x, Best Practice Recommendation for the Safe Handling of Firearms and Ammunition (revision of ANSI/ASB BPR 068-2020)
  PINS response end date of 2/8/2026
• ASB Std 093-202x, Standard for the Forensic Examination and Testing of Firearms (revision of ANSI/ASB STD 093-2020)
  PINS response end date of 2/22/2026
• ASB BPR 126-202x, Best Practice Recommendation for Casting Footwear and Tire Impression Evidence at the Crime Scene (revision of ANSI/ASB BPR 126-2020)
  PINS response end date of 2/8/2026
• ASB BPR 239-202x, Best Practice Recommendation for the Identification of Decedents by the Medicolegal Death Investigation Authorities (new standard)
  PINS response end date of 2/22/2026
• ASB Std 245-202x, Standard for the Systematic Verification of Alternative Training Aids for Detection Canine Disciplines (new standard)
  PINS response end date of 2/22/2026

ASB Standards Included FIU Research Forensic Library

This library is a curated collection of publicly-accessible articles, reports, drug monographs, controlled substance notifications, historical documents, and other material relating to every discipline of the forensic sciences. The Library provides access to groundbreaking research and to historical articles, all available for free. There are currently over 7,600 articles and reports in the library, with more added every day. Visit the Library here! 

Checklists Available on Forensic Standards
These Checklists provide a tool to allow a forensic science service provider to evaluate the level of standard implementation and/or audit conformance to a standard.  Each checklist, provided in Excel, uses a standardized format that also allows flexibility when used. Checklists are in continuous production with more coming soon! Visit the AAFS Standards Resources and Training site to access the Checklists!

AAFS Factsheets on ASB, ASTM, and NFPA Standards Available
The AAFS Standards Factsheets provide a concise summary of each standard and facilitate broader understanding, they also highlight the purpose of a standard, why it is needed, and the benefits of adoption. Factsheets are in continuous production and more are coming soon. Visit the AAFS Standards Resources and Training site for more details!

Standards Webinars on AAFS Connect
AAFS Connect is the hub of digital forensic science content provided by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. AAFS Connect hosts conference workshops, presentations, webinars, educational training, and other resources. Webinars and updates on Forensic Standards are now available in the Standards Videos portion of AAFS Connect, free of charge. Visit the AAFS Educational Webinars page for more details!