We would like to extend special thanks to Jack Ballantyne and Peter Schneider in particular for leading the HIDS VIP forum. This proved to be an invaluable and engaging session for all involved.
News from HIDS
DNA Database Hit of the Year Awards
We were delighted at HIDS Rome to once again host the announcement of the DNA Hit of the Year, this year awarded to Avon and Somerset Police. Now in its second year, the DNA Hit of the Year program is organized by Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs (GTH-GA). You can read more about the case in the Avon and Somerset Police press release or on the GTH-GA website.
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Our speakers and delegates are a vitally important ingredient in making HIDS a success each year. This year at HIDS Rome was no different and our agenda was packed full of engaging plenary and breakout sessions, with plenty of opportunities for those present to network, discuss and share their work.
We are delighted to share many of the presentations with you, as well as a reminder of our agenda and comments from a few of our delegates and speakers.
DNA Quantification and sexual assault kit analysis
The future of direct amplification: faster, cheaper, and more sensitive
Carl Mayers, DSTL, UK
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Latest perspectives on the use of DNA in forensics
Jack Ballantyne, University of Central Florida, US
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Sexual assault kits in America: experiences of a forensic laboratory deluged with sexual assault kits
Mike Cariola, Bode Cellmark Forensics, US
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Next Generation Sequencing and its adoption in the routine forensic DNA laboratory
The DNASeqEx Project: Exploring STR Sequencing and Global Exchange
Petra Müller, Medical University of lnnsbruck, Austria
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Evaluation of the Applied Biosystems™ Precision ID GlobalFiler™ NGS STR Panel v2
Tim Kupferschmid, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York City, US
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NGS assays in forensic genetic casework: Past experiences and what is next
Claus Boersting, Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Application of the Applied Biosytems™ Precision ID GlobalFiler™ NGS STR Panel v2
Jennifer Churchill, University of North Texas, US
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Using Probabilistic Genotyping in forensic casework
UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and assessment for probabilistic genotyping: A multi software strategy for mixture interpretation in real casework challenging samples
Paolo Garofano, Centro Regionale Antidoping, Orbassano, Torino
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Interfacing DNA analysis with current Biometric analysis
Using MPS to extend potential of predictive DNA analysis in forensics
Ewelina Pośpeich, Jagiellonian University, Poland
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Resolving casework cases through the use of criminal or intelligence DNA profile databases
Gordon Thomas Honeywell Prize to Best Database Hit of the Year 2018
Tim Schellberg, Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, US
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A forensic genetics intelligence service for Australia
Dennis McNevin, University of Canberra, Australia
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Routine analysis of challenging casework cases
Zhang Guangfeng, IFS, MPS, China
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Comparison of DNA stability using various sample collection devices
Seiki Nakao, Oita Prefectural Police, Japan
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Implementing an MPS mtGenome Panel into casework in a Missing Persons DNA Program
Daniela Cuenca, California Dept of Justice, US
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Automating the forensic DNA laboratory and optimizing the workflows
Automation of the Precision ID NGS system for routine use
Franck Jaffrédo, IGNA, France
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The role of Rapid DNA analysis in the criminal justice system
Implementation of the RapidHIT ID for reference samples within the UK criminal justice system
David Shackleton, Key Forensic Services, UK
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Property crime—why or why not to analyse?
Detection and DNA profiling of Latent DNA
Adrian Linacre, Flinders University, Australia
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Experiences with low input and quality samples: bone, hair, teeth and other degraded evidences
The application of NGS and CE systems in identification of human remains from rebels' graves found in Gediminas Hill: the Lithuanian historical mystery since 1863
Marija Caplinskiene, State Forensic Medicine Service, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Using the Applied Biosystems™ NGM Detect kit in forensic samples
Venusia Cortellini UOC Medicina Legale, Universita degli Studi, Brescia
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Detection of Biological Material and Integration into Casework Workflow: 'how to get research implemented into casework'
Rachel Fleming, ESR—Forensic Science, New Zealand
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Precision ID Ancestry Panel v1.0 and mtDNA Whole Genome sequencing for ancient bone samples
Masaki Hashiyada, Kansai Medical University, Japan
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| 8:00–9:30 | Registration, exhibition opening | |
| 9:30–10:30 | Welcome and keynote presentation | |
| 09:30 | Welcome and introduction | John Lesica, Vice President, Life Sciences Group EMEA, Thermo Fisher Scientific |
| 09:40 | The world leader in serving science | Daniele Galli, Country Commercial Leader, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Italy |
| 09:50 | Integrated human identification solutions | Rosy Lee, Vice President, Human Identification, Thermo Fisher Scientific, US |
| 10:00 | Keynote presentation: Latest perspectives on the use of DNA in forensics | Jack Ballantyne, University of Central Florida, US |
| 10:30–11:00 | Coffee break and networking | |
| Breakout presentation: Collection systems for forensic analysis | COPAN | |
| 11:00–12:30 | Use of DNA databases in forensic cases | Peter Schneider, University of Cologne, Germany (Chair) |
| 11:00 | A DNA 'guiding light' investigation: the Yara case | Gianpietro Lago, Parma, Italy |
| 11:20 | Central Laboratory for the National DNA Database: The Italian Reference Laboratory | Nunzia Piumelli, Banca Dati Nazionale del DNA, Italia, Roma |
| 11:40 | DNA analysis and the role it plays in missing persons investigations in Victoria, Australia | Dadna Hartman, Victoria Police, Australia |
| 12:00 | Routine analysis of challenging casework cases | Zhang Guangfeng, IFS, MPS, China |
| 12:30–14:00 | Lunch break and networking | |
| Breakout presentation: The world of augmented identity | IDEMIA | |
| Breakout presentation: Applying the DEPArray™ technology for the investigation of real forensic mixed samples – initial experiences at LMU, Munchen | Menarini Silicon Biosystems | |
| 14:00–15:00 | Casework experiences from across the globe | Ingo Bastisch, BKA, Germany (Chair) |
| 14.00 | Using the Applied Biosystems™ NGM Detect kit in forensic samples | Venusia Cortellini UOC Medicina Legale, Universita degli Studi, Brescia |
| 14:20 | UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and assessment for probabilistic genotyping: A multi software strategy for mixture interpretation in real casework challenging samples | Paolo Garofano, Centro Regionale Antidoping, Orbassano, Torino |
| 14:40 | DNA tests incriminate 'The ripper of Majadahonda (Madrid)' | Gonzalo Duran, Guardia Civil Madrid, Spain |
| 15.00 | Detection of Biological Material and Integration into Casework Workflow: 'how to get research implemented into casework' | Rachel Fleming, ESR - Forensic Science, New Zealand |
| 15:20 | Sexual assault kits in America: experiences of a forensic laboratory deluged with sexual assault kits | Mike Cariola, Bode Cellmark Forensics, US |
| 15:40-16:10 | Coffee break and networking | |
| Breakout presentation: Automation in the forensic genetics laboratory | Hamilton | |
| 16:10–18:00 | Adoption of new forensic DNA technologies | Niels Morling, DFI, Denmark (Chair) |
| 16:10 | At the crossroads of qRT-PCR: looking for a true zero threshold with the Applied Biosystems™ Quantifiler™ Trio | Maristella Santoro/Emanuela Cipolletta, Polizia Roma, Italy |
| 16:30 | Detection and DNA profiling of Latent DNA | Adrian Linacre, Flinders University, Australia |
| 16:50 | Comparison of DNA stability using various sample collection devices | Seiki Nakao, Oita Prefectural Police, Japan |
| 17:10 | The application of NGS and CE systems in identification of human remains from rebels’ graves found in Gediminas Hill: the Lithuanian historical mystery since 1863 | Marija Caplinskiene, State Forensic Medicine Service, Vilnius, Lithuania |
| 17:30 | Implementation of the RapidHIT ID for reference samples within the UK criminal justice system | David Shackleton, Key Forensic Services, UK |
| 18:00–19:30 | End of day 1 plenary, free time (HIDS space closed for evening event preparation) | |
| 19:30–20:30 | HIDS dinner and party, exhibition, posters, networking | |
| 20:00-22:30 | HIDS dinner, networking and party (with DJ. Ralf) |
| 8:00–8:45 | Gordon Thomas Honeywell Prize to Best Database Hit of the Year 2018 | Tim Schellberg, Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, US |
| 8:45–10:30 | Application of HID NGS solutions in routine forensic analysis | Chris Philips, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain (Chair) |
| 08:45 | The DNASeqEx Project: Exploring STR Sequencing and Global Exchange | Petra Müeller, Medical University of lnnsbruck, Austria |
| 09:05 | Using MPS to extend potential of predictive DNA analysis in forensics | Ewelina Pośpeich, Jagiellonian University, Poland |
| 09:25 | Automation of the Precision ID NGS system for routine use | Franck Jaffrédo, IGNA, France |
| 09:45 | Evaluation of the Applied Biosystems™ Precision ID GlobalFiler™ NGS STR Panel v2 | Tim Kupferschmid, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York City, US |
| 10:05 | Precision ID Ancestry Panel v1.0 and mtDNA Whole Genome sequencing for ancient bone samples | Masaki Hashiyada, Kansai Medical University, Japan |
| 10:35–11:00 | Coffee break and networking | |
| Regional breakout sessions | Thermo Fisher Scientific | |
| Rapid DNA case demonstration | IntegenX | |
| 11:00–12:30 | Application of HID NGS solutions in routine forensic analysis | Runa Daniel, Victoria Police, Australia (Chair) |
| 11:00 | Implementing an MPS mtGenome Panel into casework in a Missing Persons DNA Program | Daniela Cuenca, California Dept of Justice, US |
| 11:20 | NGS assays in forensic genetic casework: Past experiences and what is next | Claus Boersting, Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark |
| 11:40 | A forensic genetics intelligence service for Australia | Dennis McNevin, University of Canberra, Australia |
| 12:00 | Preliminary validation study of the Applied Biosystems™ Precision ID Globalfiler NGS STR Panel | Christian Faccinetto/Nicola Staiti, Parma, Italy |
| 12:30–13:10 | Application of HID NGS solutions in routine forensic analysis | Daniele Podini, Dept of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, US (Chair) |
| 12:30 | Development of an ancestry-informative panel for the Asia Pacific region | Runa Daniel, Victoria Police, Australia |
| 12:50 | Application of the Applied Biosytems™ Precision ID GlobalFiler™ NGS STR Panel v2 | Jennifer Churchill, University of North Texas, US |
| 13:10–13:30 | Final keynote presentation | |
| 13:10 | The future of direct amplification: faster, cheaper, and more sensitive | Carl Mayers, DSTL, UK |
| 13:30 | Final remarks and event closing | Paolo Concio, Thermo Fisher Scientific |
| 13:45–15:00 | Lunch, exhibition, posters and networking | |
| 15.00 | HIDS Rome closed. Delegates depart. |
Read what some of our delegates and speakers had to say about HIDS Rome:
“Congratulations for another successful meeting with great presentations and speakers. One of the highlights for me was the KOL discussion. It was a great opportunity to discuss pertinent issues and gain awareness of challenges faced by the various laboratories but to also benefit from solutions and strategies already being used. I certainly gained a lot from this discussion.”
Forensic officer
Police forensic services department (Australia)
“Thank you for everything. I really enjoyed the conference. I have already recommended it to my colleagues.”
Laboratory chief
Governmental forensic institution (US)
“I found it very interesting, educational and enjoyable. In addition, I found the speakers provided me with new insights as well as useful practical information. This congress helps to bring together professionals in forensics and to connect with peers from all over the world. Thank you very much to give me the opportunity to attend HIDS 2018 in Rome.”
Forensic scientist
Genetic typing core facility (Tunisia)
“Thank you for hosting such a great event, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a great learning experience.”
Managing director
Bioanalytical instrument manufacturer (Australia)