Leveraging Human Diversity, Data Science and Marker Discovery to Shape Future Forensic Applications

The mission of this third Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Forensic Analysis of Human DNA is to create an international forum that fosters open discussions of cutting-edge topics at the forefront of human identification research as well as to support and inspire the next generation of forensic science research scientists.

Topics to be presented and discussed by thought leaders and discussed by attendees will include genetic genealogy, advances using haploid markers, understanding the impact of activity level on deposition and transfer, approaches to tissue source attribution, and molecular research on age, ancestry, appearance and phenotype, human factors and effects of cognitive bias and in areas beyond genomics.

The comprehensive presentations by thought leaders, and the allotted post-talk discussion time unparalleled in non-GRC conferences promotes sharing of ideas and unique interactions between young and senior researchers. These interactions will shape the future of the field and help form the next generation of investigators. In addition, this year our conference will include a Power Hour^TM forum to discuss challenges women face in forensic science and issues of diversity and inclusion. This is an all-inclusive gathering, open to all, with the goal of supporting the professional growth of all members of the scientific community by providing an open forum that enables discussion and facilitates mentoring, networking, and community building.

The conference invites practitioners and researchers at all levels to actively participate in the discussion of all of these topics. Immediately preceding the GRC, the two-day Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Forensic Analysis of Human DNA will be held. This meeting offers the ideal setting for early career research students to interact and exchange knowledge, methods, and experiences in the rapidly developing field of forensic DNA analysis.