Important FNSS Updates

AAFS 2027

The 79th American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Scientific Conference will be held February 15-20, 2027, in Orlando, FL.

President Jim Curuso has chosen the theme "Around the World and Beyond" recognizing the fact that "there are issues in the forensic sciences that are beyond the boundaries of earth." We are looking forward to our section featuring high-quality workshops, podium presentations, and posters. With a focus on the three core pillars Forensic Nursing care is built on: legal principals, forensic science, and nursing science related to trauma and health outcomes.

A collaborative session with the Jurisprudence Section is planned, highlighting the important intersection of Forensic Nursing Science and the law. We see a natural and compelling alignment between these disciplines, particularly where objective forensic nursing assessment, documentation, evidence, and clinical expertise intersect with legal principles and judicial processes. A coordinated session offers an exciting opportunity to explore how science, clinical practice, and jurisprudence collectively contribute to informed legal decision-making and the pursuit of justice. Contributions addressing timely, relevant, and engaging topics will be presented. 

Please also consider volunteering to serve as a moderator for a workshop or session. Participation provides an opportunity to contribute to the work of our Section while supporting your own membership advancement within the Forensic Nursing Science Section (FNSS).

Scholarship Announcement

The FNSS is pleased to offer a Membership Scholarship opportunity to support colleagues who may benefit from financial assistance with annual membership dues. We recognize that professional involvement and connection within our specialty matter deeply, and we are committed to helping reduce barriers to participation and engagement.

Members who meet the eligibility requirements outlined below are encouraged to apply. Applications will open September 1, 2026, and close October 30, 2026.

Applications should be submitted to Janean Fossum at jfossum@epud.net.

We hope this opportunity helps strengthen continued involvement, professional growth, and the collective advancement of forensic nursing science.

FNSS Scholarship Application Process

• The scholarship is to provide financial assistance to FNSS members.
• The scholarship award may be used for 100% of annual dues.
   
• Two (2) dues scholarships will be awarded/year.
• Applications open September 1 and close October 30.

Requirements

1. Must be a member of the FNSS for a minimum of one year.
2. Submit a letter of request describing your financial need in 100 words or less.  

Once selected as a scholarship recipient, the funds will be awarded and then distributed by the Academy.

Membership Promotion

The FNSS welcomes all Baccalaureate Registered Nurses who are considering being part of this prestigious organization. You will find many opportunities to further your forensic science education and meet professionals in the various specialties of forensic science who will mentor and guide you as you work toward your own professional goals.

We would like to extend an invitation to all nurses, including those nursing members of other AAFS sections to join our section. There are many opportunities to advance within the FNSS. We hope to help you in expanding your network of forensic nursing science professionals.

Are you eligible for promotion? 

Please review the following promotion requirements and apply to advance starting July 1. The deadline is October 1.

FORENSIC NURSING SECTION – PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

A. Associate Member to Member
while serving as an Associate Member the applicant must:

1. Fulfill the AAFS Basic Requirements for Promotion and any such additional requirements as may be established for its members;
2. Serve a minimum of two (2) years as an Associate Member; and
3. Register and attend a minimum of one (1) annual meeting of the AAFS. The meeting at which the title of Associate Member was conferred, if attended, may be counted; however, the meeting at which the title of Member is being considered shall not be counted.

References not required.

B. Member to Fellow
while serving as a Member, the applicant must:

1. Fulfill the AAFS Basic Requirements for Promotion and any such additional requirements as may be established for its members by a specific forensic science discipline represented in the Forensic Nursing Science Section;
2. Demonstrate active work in the forensic sciences at the time the promotion application is filed;
3. Register and attend a minimum of two (2) annual meetings of the AAFS and one (1) Forensic Nursing Science Section Business Meeting. The meeting at which the title of Member was conferred, if attended, may be counted; however, the meeting at which the title of Fellow is being considered shall not be counted (special consideration may be given for promotion after attendance at one (1) meeting if extenuating circumstances have prevented attendance for two (2) years and all other promotion requirements have been met); and
4. Meet two (2) of the following requirements prior to the annual meeting at which promotion to Fellow is conferred.

• Participate as an active member or chair of a committee of the Forensic Nursing Science Section of AAFS. One (1) year of committee work equals one (1) contribution. The committee chair will submit a list of active members at the end of each year to the section chair; or
• Participate in the annual program of the AAFS by presentation of a paper, poster, luncheon seminar, workshop, or moderating a routine Forensic Nursing Science Section program session; or
• Author a paper on a subject relevant to the section's area of interest that is accepted for publication in the Journal of Forensic Sciences or other peer-reviewed journal or conference proceedings. This requirement is fulfilled if the applicant's name appears as an author on the paper. Letters to the Editor or Book Reviews will not be considered in fulfilling this requirement. References not required.