Abstract

Forensic science is undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation, driven by advances in analytical technologies, digital innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. As forensic laboratories evolve to meet increasing demands for efficiency, reliability, and scientific rigor, the integration of emerging technologies is reshaping the future of evidence examination and interpretation. Furthermore, fundamental forensic methodologies are being subjected to increasing scientific, legal and societal scrutiny, placing greater emphasis on validation, transparency and evidential reliability.The presentation will discuss the author’s ongoing doctoral research focused on identification, characterisation and isolation of spermatozoa. The thesis includes investigating the use of Imaging Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting (IFCCS) as a potential future operational technology for analysis of trace biological evidence, including complex mixtures. In a contemporary IFCCS workflow, cell mixtures are tagged with fluorophores and passed through a channel for laser excitation, followed by sorting based on charged variation during which cell-specific images are captured. The BD FACSDiscovery™ S8 Cell Sorter with CellView™ Image Technology IFCCS instrument has been developed with machine learning assisted cell imaging and sorting for high throughput workflow implementation. The instrument capability includes imaging and counting of cells in a heterogeneous mixture, followed by cell sorting into two or more homogeneous subsamples. A pilot study demonstrated the imaging and counting capability of the instrument with unstained heterogenous cell mixtures created using vaginal secretions and semen. Cells were then sorted to collect 2,000 spermatozoa and 2,000 vaginal epithelia into separate collection tubes for subsequent DNA extraction and profiling. This project is part of an ongoing industry PhD and further work aims to fully validate this instrument for use in operational forensic biology casework.

Biography

Laura has been a casework Forensic Scientist in three state laboratories across three jurisdictions in Australia. Laura is currently employed as a Senior Forensic Research Scientist at Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ), specialising in evidence examination, analysis and the application of emerging forensic methodologies. She possesses a robust background in biological evidence examination, sampling and testing, examination of crime scenes and human remains recovery. Laura is currently enrolled in an industry PhD focused on identification, characterisation and isolation of spermatozoa. Currently contributing to FSQ's operational workflow improvements Laura leads projects emphasising rigorous analysis alongside innovation in forensic practices.

Abstract

The widespread adoption of hardened encrypted communication platforms has significantly increased the complexity of modern transnational criminal investigations. Operations targeting services such as EncroChat, SkyECC and ANOM have demonstrated how organized crime networks rely on customized secure devices and protected infrastructures to coordinate illicit activities across jurisdictions while attempting to reduce digital traceability. These developments have transformed digital evidence acquisition into a cross-border challenge requiring large-scale data collection, coordinated law enforcement cooperation, and advanced forensic methodologies.

This presentation examines the investigative implications of analysing datasets originating from disrupted encrypted ecosystems. Particular attention is given to the issue of defence access to original or raw data. Defence teams have been provided primarily with filtered or pre-processed datasets, often resulting from complex decryption, extraction and analytical workflows conducted during large-scale law enforcement operations. 

By discussing methodological, technical and legal considerations, the session highlights how forensic practitioners and investigators can address challenges related to evidence validation, disclosure obligations, and fair trial guarantees in cross-border cases involving encrypted criminal communication platforms.

Biography

Digital Forensic Consultant and Cybersecurity Expert supporting Law Enforcement, Judicial Authorities, and legal teams in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of digital evidence. He contributes to complex cross-border investigations, including cases involving encrypted platforms such as SkyECC. Programme Leader for the Master’s in Cyber Security, Digital Forensics & Crime Analysis at the European Forensic Institute (Malta) and Lecturer at the University of Perugia (Italy).

Abstract

The manufacture of humanoid robots with embedded artificial intelligence and for sexual purposes has generated some debates within bioethics, in which diverse competing views have been presented. Themes such as sexuality and its deviations, the objectification of women, the relational problems of contemporary life, loneliness, and even the reproductive future of the species constitute the arguments which have emerged in relation to this subject. Based on these themes, this article presents the current state of the use of female sex robots, the bioethical problems that arise, and how bioethics could serve as a medium for both thinking about and resolving some of these challenges.

In the USA, forensic nurses in ER’s are now dealing with intimate partner violence related to sex with robots, where the robots are beaten violently. Can AI Girlfriend Robots Bring a New Wave of Women's Objectification? When violence becomes acceptable in a robot relationship, it can normalize similar behavior toward real people.

This AI revolution is happening at a dangerous moment in the United States—when women's rights are under threat and there is no hope for strict AI regulation. So, rising polarization in America – including along gender lines –risks being further intensified by this emerging technology. Can a robot be raped?

Biography

Dr. James graduated from a one-year course, McGill University, Dental Forensics Program; part on-campus training with the Surete du Quebec Forensics Team. Dr James is focusing on Child Abuse, Elderly Abuse, Human Trafficking, and Intimate Partner Violence. He also gives educational PowerPoint presentations on these topics. Also, trained at University of Tennessee, Body Farm, and Clandestine Grave Recovery. Dr Frizzell’s motto is: “The Power of Observation”, in the forensic’s world.

Abstract

The scientific study of changes that occur in the human body after death, aiding in death investigation, is forensic taphonomy. The field enables forensic experts to estimate the post-mortem interval, reconstruct events surrounding death, and identify the cause as well as manner of death. The progression of human decomposition comprises five stages, namely fresh, bloating, active decay, advanced decay, and skeletonisation, each of which is characterised by distinct physical, biological, and chemical changes. Insect succession, particularly the activities of maggots, flies, beetles, and mites, also tends to provide valuable evidence for estimating the time since death, making forensic entomology a complementary discipline. Various factors such as age, body weight, clothing, and environmental conditions influence the rate of decomposition. The process of decomposition in aquatic environments follows a similar pattern with an additional stage. Understanding these processes can help forensic investigators develop a scientifically supported hypothesis to interpret post-mortem changes accurately and improve the reliability of medicolegal investigations.

Biography

Ms Varsha AR is a forensic enthusiast with profound knowledge in the field of forensic science.She has done her B.sc Forensic science from Annai Fathima College of Arts and Science, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India And her masters in forensic science from Kerala Police Academy, Thrissur, Kerala, India.She has published numerous books and articles both in national and international journals on various topics of forensic science ranging from forensic psychology to forensic archaeology and also cybersecurity.She has presented her remarkable work in National and International conferences and is also engaged as a peer reviewer for reputed journal.She is an upcoming forensic expert with keen interest in the developments of forensic science

Abstract

Forensic podiatry is a novel sub-field of Forensic Science in Nigeria that combines anatomical, biomechanical and pathological knowledge for the analysis of footprints. Forensic podiatrists assess congenital and accidental foot anomalies for the purpose of human identification. The emerging intersection between forensic podiatry and artificial intelligence from the perspective of a Nigerian forensic anthropologist, highlights both regional trends and inherent pitfalls. In Nigeria, where mass disasters, clandestine graves, and decomposed remains are common, foot-based identification—such as analyzing footprints, gait patterns, or shoe wear—offers a non-invasive, cost-effective tool compatible with low-resource settings. The integration of AI, particularly deep learning and convolutional neural networks, promises enhanced accuracy in classifying footprint morphology, estimating stature from foot dimensions, and matching barefoot prints to suspects; a trend gaining traction in Nigerian academic and criminal justice pilot studies. However, significant pitfalls persist like algorithmic bias due to under-representation of Nigerian foot anthropometry in training datasets, limited digital infrastructure, and lack of local validation studies. The excessive reliance on AI without contextual skeletal or soft tissue assessment risks false positives, especially in cases of foot deformities, child remains, or post-mortem changes. Ethical concerns around data sovereignty and the absence of forensic AI regulations in Nigeria complicate the adoption process. Consequently, while AI-enhanced forensic podiatry holds promise for identification in disaster victim identification and sexual assault cases involving footprints, its current pitfalls demand a hybrid, expert-led approach. There is need for culturally tailored AI models, interdisciplinary collaborations, and rigorous empirical testing before routine implementation in Nigerian forensic casework.

Biography

Christabel Francis is an Assistant Lecturer at the department of Anatomical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria. She obtained her first degree in Anatomy from the department of Anatomical Sciences in 2018. She proceeded to get a Master's degree in Forensic Science (Forensic Taphonomy) at the University of Kent, United Kingdom in 2023. She is a passionate Forensic Scientist who would like to push the frontiers of the field in Africa. Her short-term goal is to mentor young scientists who are willing to take Forensic Science as a career path in Nigeria. She intends to establish a private Forensic Crime Laboratory in Nigeria in the near future

Abstract

The various examples of forensic entomology are examined in this presentation. Most people when asked about forensic entomology imagine various flies and beetles because they are familiar with homicide investigations and TV shows; some will have knowledge of the 3 major disciplines in forensic entomology including Urban Entomology, Stored Products Entomology, in addition to the aforementioned Medicolegal Entomology or Medicocriminal Entomology (formerly Forensic Medical Entomology). The presentation today deals with insects that can be found at various locations depending on the crime scene and what business is present at that location with respect to food processing and food service, plumbing issues, sanitation and hygiene of various sorts associated with improper or misunderstood cleaning techniques. Depending on the crime scene, various “atypical” insects might be active, and their presence could be attributed to commercial and personal food storage and preparation, unforeseen plumbing issues, cleaning and washing techniques, plus other procedures deployed in manufacturing facilities, structural and architectural building issues, and normal employee behaviors that initiate introduction and propagation of certain pest species.  Of course, houses and apartment buildings as well as hospital patient rooms and surgeries occasionally can exhibit insect infestations to varying degrees. Surgeries can have drain infestations and waiting rooms may become infested with cockroaches, moths, beetles, bed bugs and occasionally with human body, head and pubic lice. Crime scenes may have bed bugs, parasitic lice, mites and ticks and even cockroaches. These arthropods may certainly harbor blood from victims present at the scene or from perps who have fled the scene.

Biography

Louis Sorkin received his Master of Science in Entomology from the University of Connecticut, at Storrs and began his entomological career of over 43 years in the Department of Entomology (Division of Invertebrate Zoology) at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, working on arachnid systematics, parasitic arthropod species (especially the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius) and insect cuisine. He also curated the extensive, preserved arachnid and myriapod collections housed at the museum and collaborated with researchers around the world. He has worked with law enforcement and pest management companies and has taught recertification courses over the years relying on forensic entomology and proper identification and ecology to manage and control pest species. He is the principal entomologist and founder of Entsult Associates, Inc.

Abstract

This study examines the legal implications of the defendant's participation in crime scene reconstruction examinations under Article 7 of the Brazilian Code of Criminal Procedure. Based on empirical observations collected by the author while serving as a Criminal Forensic Expert at the General Institute of Forensic Sciences of Rio Grande do Sul (IGPRS), the research analyzes reconstruction procedures conducted between June 2013 and July 2014. The study investigates whether crime scene reconstruction should be understood not only as an investigative technique but also as an evidentiary mechanism capable of strengthening the constitutional guarantees of due process, the right to present evidence, and the right to a full defense. Although defendants are entitled to remain silent under the principle of nemo tenetur se detegere, participation in reconstruction may provide a unique opportunity to present their version of the facts, particularly in cases where no eyewitnesses or surviving victims exist. Empirical findings revealed procedural concerns. In approximately 10% of the analyzed cases, defendants participated while handcuffed and without legal representation. Two case studies further illustrate situations in which defendants were physically restrained throughout the examination despite one participating voluntarily and accompanied by counsel. Such practices raise questions regarding the effective protection of procedural guarantees during the production of forensic evidence. The paper argues that crime scene reconstruction possesses an inherently dual evidentiary function, serving both prosecution and defense. Rather than constituting a merely investigative procedure, it should be recognized as an impartial forensic instrument capable of integrating technical findings and reducing factual uncertainty. Accordingly, Criminal Forensic Experts play a fundamental role not only in producing scientifically reliable evidence but also in safeguarding the defendant's fundamental rights during forensic examinations. The study concludes that greater attention should be given to the procedural safeguards governing defendant participation in crime scene reconstruction as an essential component of fair criminal proceedings

 

Biography

Andrei R. Portinho is a Brazilian Criminal Expert (Forensic Scientist) with the Rio Grande do Sul Institute of Forensic Sciences (IGP-RS) and has over 15 years of experience in crime scene investigation and forensic analysis. He holds degrees in Law and History, a Master’s degree in Criminal Sciences, an LL.M. in Medical and Health Law, and a specialization in Forensic Archaeology. He is also a professor of Forensic Sciences at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), an author and researcher with publications in forensic science, and has presented lectures and interviews on forensic investigation for both national and international audiences. His current research focuses on crime scene reconstruction, simulated crime scene reenactment, forensic archaeology, and the application of scientific methods in criminal investigations.

Abstract

Forensic anthropology plays a crucial role in the identification of unknown human remains,particularly in cases involving skeletonized, decomposed, fragmented, orburned bodies where conventional identification methods are limited. By examining skeletal and dental evidence, forensic anthropologists construct a biological profile that provides vital information about an individual's age at death, biological sex,stature, and ancestry. This profile serves as a scientific foundation for narrowing the pool of possible identities and supporting legal and humanitarian investigations.This presentation reviews the principal methods used in biological profile construction.Sex estimation is achieved through the assessment of sexually dimorphic skeletal features, with the pelvis providing the highest level of accuracy and the skull and long bones offering additional supporting evidence. Age estimation relies on developmental indicators such as dental eruption and epiphyseal fusion in subadults, while degenerative skeletal changes, including those of the pubic symphysis and auricular surface, are commonly used in adults. Stature estimation is performed using regression equations derived from long bone measurements, particularly those of the femur and tibia, while ancestry estimation combines morphological, metric, dental, and molecular approaches to evaluate broad patterns of population affinity.The presentation further highlights the strengths and limitations of these methods,emphasizing that biological profile components are estimates rather than absolutedeterminations and are most reliable when interpreted collectively. It also discusses the integration of forensic anthropology with complementary techniques such as DNA analysis, computed tomography (CT), and digital forensic tools to improve identification accuracy.Finally, the presentation demonstrates the application of biological profile construction in missing investigation,homicide cases, and disaster victim identification,where the careful analysis of skeletal remains contributes to restoring identity,advancing justice, and providing closure for affected families. As forensic science continues to evolve, forensic anthropology remains an indispensable discipline in modern human identification.

Biography

Gift Onyinyechi Opara is a fourth-year undergraduate student of Forensic Science at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria. Her primary research interests are forensic DNA analysis and serology, forensic toxicology, and forensic anthropology, with a particular focus on integrating these disciplines to strengthen evidence-based human identification and criminal investigations. She is passionate about advancing the Nigerian justice system through the application of reliable forensic science and promoting greater awareness of its role in delivering justice. Beyond academics, Gift actively engages in scientific research, leadership, and community service. She serves in leadership capacities within both her university and faith community and has participated in research activities involving scanning electron microscopy (SEM). She is also involved in forensic science advocacy through educational and media initiatives aimed at increasing public understanding of the discipline. Gift aspires to contribute to innovative forensic research, policy development, and the advancement of forensic practice in Nigeria and beyond.

Abstract

Despite the integration of traditional healing and Western therapeutic treatments in Native American addiction centers, there is virtually no research evaluating their efficacy in this context. Western treatment attempts typically emphasize individuality and illness without regard for broader social and cultural determinants, often resulting in limited success for Native communities. Furthermore, the increasing demand for Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) has created funding barriers for culturally relevant treatments that have not undergone controlled scientific experiments. This study addresses this gap by measuring the impact of the "Healing the Spirit" (also referred to as "Calling Home the Spirit") Ceremony on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of participants at Friendship House of San Francisco, a residential substance abuse treatment center.Serving as a replication of the Schiff & Moore (2006) sweat lodge study, this research utilized a sample of 28 participants, comparing an experimental group (n=18) that completed the ceremony with a treatment-as-usual control group (n=10). The Heroic Myth Index (HMI) was administered one week before, one day before, and three days post-ceremony to measure shifts in archetypal identification. Results analyzed via the Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Friedman rank sum tests indicated significant positive changes attributable to the ceremony. Specifically, ceremony participants demonstrated a significant increase in affiliation with the Warrior archetype post-ceremony, reflecting enhanced assertiveness, healthy boundaries, and community regard, which are vital for addiction recovery. Within-group analyses also revealed increased identification with the Creator and Sage archetypes, alongside a near-significant decrease in the Orphan archetype (associated with feelings of abandonment and isolation). These findings provide empirical evidence that culturally adapted treatments have a measurable positive impact on Native American clients, helping to bridge the gap between rigorous EBP requirements and the need for culturally congruent healing practices in addiction recovery and rehabilitation.

Biography

Daniel B. Schellenberg, R.D. Psych., MMFT, completed his doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Francisco. His research focuses on the intersection of evidence-based practices and culturally congruent treatments for Native American populations, specifically evaluating the efficacy of traditional ceremonies in residential substance abuse treatment settings. By investigating tools like the Heroic Myth Index, his work advocates for culturally relevant clinical interventions that bridge the gap between mainstream psychological standards and indigenous paradigms of healing and wellness.

Abstract

This study evaluates whether multispectral imaging (MSI) of wounds and tattoos can be used as a reliable tool for postmortem identification and postmortem interval estimation. To do this, three imaging equipment items were used: Canon Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR); Canon UV-IR Digital Single-Lens Reflex (UV-IR DSLR); and ForensCope SuperSpectral Camera “MSI”. The last one was the most user-friendly and effective at detecting spectral signatures associated with injuries. The results showed that the SuperSpectral camera, using the negative filter, produced the highest contrast and detectability of these injury-related signatures.As the visible appearance of the injuries began to fade due to decomposition, subsurface tissue disruption remained detectable using the negative filter. This suggests that MSI is not only capturing surface-level features, but also underlying tissue damage. Since tattooing was used as a controlled form of injury in this study, these findings support its use as a model for tracking injury throughout the decomposition process.The identification and documentation of antemortem tattoos and injuries plays a critical role in forensic death investigations, as these factors can help with postmortem identification, trauma assessment, and forensic reconstruction. Throughout the decomposition process, the skin undergoes physical and chemical changes that can affect its coloration, elasticity, and thickness. These changes alter the visual and spectral presentation of tattoos and injuries throughout the decomposition process, and it becomes increasingly difficult to determine whether the injuries were created antemortem or postmortem. Most methods for wound and tattoo assessment rely on visual examination and professional experience, which may be subjective and dependent on examiner expertise. Histology is also used in wound assessment, as it allows scientists to study the microscopic structure of tissue samples, but this method is invasive, time-consuming, and not practical in many field settings. Without histology, visual inspection alone is limited by a variety of factors, including lighting conditions, skin tone changes, and tissue alteration that occurs postmortem. Multispectral imaging (MSI) has been identified as a promising non-invasive wound assessment technique that captures data using ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), and visible wavelengths of light. MSI has been successfully used to detect bruising and pigment differences in both living and recently deceased individuals, but little research has been done regarding how effective MSI is in detecting spectral signatures created by injuries in decomposing remains. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether MSI can detect spectral changes in wounds and tattoos on decomposing pig carcasses. The secondary objective for this study is to develop preliminary predictive models for estimating time since wounding using spectral features extracted from the MSI data. For this study, tattooing was used as the injury application method. The study was conducted at a research decomposition facility at Chaminade University of Honolulu, which is located in Pālolo Valley, Oahu, Hawai’i. The tropical environment at this site is characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity, and variable amounts of sun exposure. Decomposition progression throughout the experiment was also documented using two total body scoring methods (TBS). One of the methods is used for scoring decomposing human remains (Magyesi et al), and the other was adapted for porcine decomposition (Keough et al. 2017). Both of the carcasses were scored separately every 24 hours, and this process was done concurrently with imaging. The areas scored included the head, trunk, and limbs. During this research, the tattoos’ visibility changed throughout the decomposition process, but overall, it supported that tattooing created a physical injury to the skin rather than just adding pigment. Early in the experiment, the tattoos were clearly visible on both pigs while the skin was still intact. As decomposition progressed, the ink became less visible, but the injury created by the tattooing process could still be detected using MSI. The facial tattoos disappeared first, which is consistent with the head decomposing faster than the rest of the body. In the shaded pig, some tattoos, especially on the abdomen, shoulder, and rear, were still partially visible even by Day 10. In the sun-exposed pig, all tattoos were no longer visible by around Day 8 due to faster tissue breakdown.

Conclusions :
The results from this study show that multispectral imaging (MSI) can help improve the detection of injury-related features during decomposition. In this study, tattooing acted as a controlled form of injury, which made it easier to track how injured tissue changed overtime.The results from this study show that multispectral imaging (MSI) has potential as a tool for identifying injuries during decomposition. Using tattooing as a controlled form of injury, it was found that injury sites remained detectable even after the visible pigment began to fade. This suggests that MSI is detecting underlying tissue disruption, not just surface-level ink.

Biography

In 1998, Dr. Carlos Gutiérrez Ayala joined the National Police Academy in Chile, and in 2001, he got his Bachelor's Degree in Public Safety Administration. In 2003 he started his studies in forensic sciences at the same national agency, and in 2004, he became a Deputy Director of the Forensic Lab in the Magallanes Region (State). Between 2008 and 2010, he served as CSI team Leader and Chief of the Forensic Anthropology Lab, leading the identification process for victims of the earthquake (8.8) and tsunami that affected Chile on February 27th 2010. In 2011, he became the Director of the Forensic Lab in the Maule Region (State). In 2014, came to Honolulu as a captain of the Chilean National Police Agency to pursue his Master of Science in Forensic Sciences at Chaminade University of Honolulu. During his studies and after retiring from the force, he worked as a laboratory and teaching assistant, and in 2017, he joined the Forensic Sciences Department as a lecturer. In 2018, he combined his teaching work with his student abilities and began his Ph.D. in Forensic Sciences, focusing his research on Enforced Disappearances in Mexico and training the relatives of the disappeared in Scene Investigation. In December 2019, Carlos was called back to Chile to lead several forensic investigations into human rights violations that occurred in October of that year. He also had the opportunity to work on multiple high-profile criminal cases. At the beginning of 2020, the world was affected by the pandemic; however, during his time in Chile, he worked as a forensic scientist on national TV, wrote a best-selling book based on one of his forensic investigations, obtained his Ph.D. in Forensic Sciences, served as a consultant in the national Chilean congress for a missing person law, and participated as a forensic expert witness in several congressional investigations. In August of 2023, he returned to Chaminade University of Honolulu as an Assistant Professor of Forensic Sciences. In 2024, Carlos was recognized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Hawaii as Educator of the Year. In March 2025, he won the national “Robert Gaffney award” from the General Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Since August 2025, Dr. Carlos has been serving as the Director of the Forensic Sciences Department at Chaminade University of Honolulu.