4,000 Forensic Elite to Convene in Atlanta for Scientific Meeting in February

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) 64th annual scientific meeting will take place February 20-25, 2012 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown Atlanta. Themed "Global Research: The Forensic Science Edge" by Academy President Douglas Ubelaker, nearly 4,000 professionals representing all 50 United States, Canada and 62 other countries worldwide will convene to discuss issues facing forensic science and the efforts to embrace global cooperation and consensus building among forensic professionals.

The forensic elite will present the most current information, research and updates in their fields. More than 800 scientific papers, seminars, workshops and special sessions will be held on topics from forensic psychiatry and behavioral sciences to interdisciplinary approaches to forensic science investigations of physical evidence. Workshops and meetings cover the breadth of forensic science and the compelling tasks that rely upon the cooperation of a multidisciplinary range of human, technical, medical, and scientific endeavors applied to civil disputes and criminal investigations.

Highlights include a public lecture entitled "Underwater CSI and Other High Profile Cases," at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20, at the Georgia Aquarium, presented in partnership with the Georgia Aquarium. The Academy will conduct a Student Academy for students on Tuesday, Feb. 21, where local students will learn from hands-on experiences with experts representing 10 disciplines of forensic sciences. Eleven high schools schools are participating; eight from the Atlanta-area and others from Alabama, North Carolina and Texas. The Student Academy is a community outreach program presented each year during the Scientific Meeting that is dedicated to exposing students to this highly popular and important career field.

Wednesday, Feb. 22, the Academy presents an informative opening Plenary Session focusing on Global Research: The Forensic Science Edge, where international experts representing the International Commission on Missing Persons, United States Department of Justice International Criminal Investigation Training and Assistance Program, International Committee of the Red Cross and the National Institute of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Portugal, will discuss harnessing the expertise and knowledge of forensic sciences through collaboration with scientists. The rapid exchange of information around the world is essential for effective crime fighting and disaster victim identification.

COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION FOR JOURNALISTS: Individuals able to document a current direct connection with the news media may receive free registration at the AAFS Registration Desk, as may journalism students by presenting letterhead-stationary certification that they are attending as part of a class activity. Everyone seeking access to any aspect of the Annual Meeting must be registered. Press attending special functions (e.g., workshops, seminars, luncheons, etc.) are required to pre-register and pay the fees designated by the pre-registration deadline.

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences is a multi-disciplinary professional organization that provides leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. The objectives of the Academy are to promote integrity, competency, education, foster research, improve practice, and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences. Organized in 1948, AAFS serves a distinguished and diverse membership of 6,000 forensic science professionals who are the focal point for public information when forensic science issues are addressed in the public domain. AAFS publishes the internationally recognized Journal of Forensic Sciences. For more information visit www.aafs.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Forensic Sciences