Pathology/Biology Call for Abstracts, Workshops, and Special Session Proposals

The AAFS Pathology/Biology Section Program Committee invites the submission of scientific abstracts, workshop proposals, and special session concepts for the 2027 AAFS Annual Scientific Conference in Orlando, FL.

Inspired by this year's theme, Around the World and Beyond, we celebrate the global reach of forensic science and its expanding role in addressing new challenges across diverse environments and applications. We welcome innovative research that advances forensic pathology and biology through multidisciplinary collaboration, emerging technologies, and novel approaches — from improving death investigation on Earth to exploring the future frontiers of forensic science.

We encourage submissions from forensic pathologists, forensic biologists, medical examiners, coroners, molecular scientists, entomologists, taphonomists, researchers, educators, students, and industry partners.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Advances in postmortem analysis and medicolegal death investigation
• Sudden unexplained death investigations and complex death investigation approaches
• Pediatric forensic pathology
• Trauma interpretation and pathological assessment of abuse and interpersonal violence
• Digital pathology, artificial intelligence, and emerging microscopic methods
• Virtopsy and advanced imaging technologies in forensic practice
• New approaches for early and extended Postmortem Interval (PMI) estimation
• Omics approaches (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, microbiomics) for determining time and cause of death
• Forensic entomology, taphonomy, microbiology, and decomposition research across diverse environments
• Human identification and biological evidence interpretation
• Wildlife crime investigations, DNA-based species identification, and conservation forensics
• Environmental and emerging applications of forensic biology
• Forensic pathology and/or biology applications in challenging, extreme, and emerging environments
• Innovative technologies and multidisciplinary approaches expanding the future of forensic pathology and biology

Interdisciplinary Session Pathology/Biology and Toxicology

Following the success of the past years, the Pathology/Biology Section welcomes collaborative submissions that highlight the interconnected nature of modern forensic pathology and biology with toxicologists. 

Abstract submitters are encouraged to submit to the most appropriate section and indicate in the comments if they would like their work considered for this interdisciplinary session.

Workshop Proposals

We are also seeking proposals for workshops and special sessions that provide practical training, case-based learning, and innovative perspectives to advance forensic science. Interactive and interdisciplinary formats are strongly encouraged.

Submit your abstract or workshop proposal at: https://www.aafs.org/annual-conference/abstract-submission.

Join us in showcasing the research, technologies, and collaborations driving forensic science Around the World and Beyond. We look forward to welcoming you to Orlando for the 2027 AAFS Annual Scientific Conference.