A Message from the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence
2020 was a big year for the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. With five podcast seasons, a full research and development symposium, our first virtual conference, eight reports, and over thirty webinars, we continued to lead the way in the world of forensic science. While 2020 was definitely a challenge for everyone, we’re looking forward to what 2021 has in store! Check out some of the highlights of our year below!
And as the year is winding down, we are especially thankful for all of you. Even though it may sound trite, we really couldn’t accomplish all that we do without your support and viewership. So once again, thank you for joining us and we’ll see you next year!
Click the link below to see previous years' annual reviews and infographics.
The FTCOE hosted over 30 webinars this year. You can see all that we have to offer on our resources page, or you can check out the top five here:
- The New Mexico Decedent Image Database Webinar Series
- ASCLD Emerging Issues: Employee Wellness Webinar Series
- Stress, Vicarious Trauma, and Resiliency for Forensic Science Professionals
- The Sequel - Marijuana or Hemp: From Farm Bill to Forensic Analysis
- The Time to Analyze is Now: DNA Evidence in Groping Sexual Assault Cases
This year, we adapted to current events to deliver a conference and symposium online. Check them out here:
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) assisted the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium on February 18th, 2020 at the 72nd Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) meeting in Anaheim, CA.
In October 2020, the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) helped the Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (SWAFS) host their first virtual conference. This event, which saw over 1,400 unique attendees across three days, covered a multitude of topics pertinent to the forensic science community. Toxicology, DNA, seized drugs, arson, document analysis, quality control, and crime scene investigation were just some of the topics discussed during the event.
Just Science released five full seasons and a few special episodes. Listen to the top five here and don't forget to subscribe!
We released a variety of reports this year. Whether we're talking about fire analysis, forensic advancement, or improving laboratory efficiency, you can always learn more with us!
- Terrestrial LiDAR Scanning Working Group for Criminal Justice Applications, First Meeting Report
- National Institute of Justice and Purdue University: Advancing 3D Imaging for Footwear and Tire Impressions
- National Institute of Justice and West Virginia University: Revolutionizing Laboratory Efficiency Assessments Through Project FORESIGHT
- The Researcher’s Role in Technology Transition
- Modifications to Capillary Microextraction in Volatiles (CMV) for the Extraction of Ignitable Liquid Residues (ILRs)
Contact us at ForensicCOE@rti.org with any questions and subscribe to our newsletter for notifications.
