AAFS: Previewing the Wednesday Morning Plenary Session

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference next week is focusing on its main theme, “Technology: A Tool for Transformation of Tyranny” (1,2). Many of the plenary sessions, oral symposia, and poster sessions will reinforce this year’s theme, talking about how the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), are impacting the forensic sciences both positively and negatively.

Male Business Speaker Giving A Talk At Business Conference Event. | Image Credit: © John - stock.adobe.com

On Wednesday, February 19^th at 10:00 am EST, a plenary session titled, “A Double-Edged Sword; Exploring the Benefits and Perils of Technology and Artificial Intelligence,” will take place. Christopher Thompson, MD, who is the AAFS President, will deliver the opening remarks. The plenary session chair is Dean De Crisce and the plenary session co-chair is Marla E. Carroll.

Most of this session will be a panel discussion, featuring several forensic science experts from government, academia, and the private sector. Panel participants include Eric Bloedorn and Paul Ward of MITRE in McLean, Virginia; Kyle Fox and Marc Greene of the National Institute of Justice in Washington D.C.; Devin Kelsey of the U.S. Congressional Forensic Science Caucus in Washington D.C.; Donald Shelton of the University of Michigan – Dearborn; and Melissa Taylor of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland (3).

As we’ve highlighted on Spectroscopy, using AI in spectroscopy has been rapidly increasing (4). Machine learning (ML) algorithms have been increasingly used to analyze large data sets, automating tasks that used to take analysts a significant amount of time. AI has now emerged as a popular tool in many application areas, including economics, education, environmental analysis, pharmaceutical analysis, and forensic science.

There are several reasons why AI has emerged as a popular tool to support the ongoing work of researchers. Using AI has allowed scientists to increase their efficiency while maintaining high accuracy (3). In forensic analysis, AI has also the added benefit of allowing analysts to make quicker decisions in forensic investigations, and as a result, AI has been used to solve crimes more quickly without taking as many resources from law enforcement (3). However, along with these benefits come critical challenges, including bias amplification, privacy concerns, transparency issues, and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI-driven decision-making (3).

In this plenary session, key opinion leaders in the space (including experts, advisors, and key stakeholders) will gather to discuss the promise and perils of AI and technological advancement in forensic science (3). During the panel discussion, panelists will examine and talk about the role of technology in improving forensic analysis, crime detection, and legal proceedings while also addressing the potential risks associated with security vulnerabilities, bias in AI models, and the need for stringent regulatory frameworks (3). The session will reinforce the AAFS Conference theme while reiterating the importance of developing these technologies within an ethical framework to ensure accountability and transparency (3).

Another key part of the discussion will focus on how AI should be integrated in forensic science work. Panelists will discuss how AI can be used effectively in their work while mitigating some of the downsides that AI brings, including risks involving automation and data-driven decision-making (3). Through this discussion, the panelists hope to shine a light on some strategies to balance algorithmic precision with human innovation and intuition (3).

And finally, the conversation in the panel discussion will dedicate some time to discussing the evolving legal and ethical landscape surrounding AI in forensic applications, and what further regulatory oversight might be needed.

The plenary will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, inviting audience participation to explore the complexities of these issues further. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, this session aims to equip forensic professionals with a nuanced understanding of AI's role in their field, ensuring its responsible use to uphold justice and forensic integrity.

References

1. Forensic Mag, 77th Annual Scientific Conference of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Forensic Mag. Available at: https://www.forensicmag.com/3694-Events/616065-77th-Annual-Scientific-Conference-of-the-American-Academy-of-Forensic-Sciences/ (accessed 2025-02-12).
2. American Academy of Forensic Sciences, AAFS 2025. AAFS.org. Available at: https://www.aafs.org/annual-conference (accessed 2025-02-12).
3. American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Online Program. AAFS.org. Available at: https://www.aafs.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/2025%20Final%20Program_1.28.25.pdf (accessed 2025-02-13).
4. Workman, Jr., J.; Mark, H. Artificial Intelligence in Analytical Spectroscopy, Part I: Basic Concepts and Discussion. Spectroscopy 2023, 38 (2), 13–22. DOI: 10.56530/spectroscopy.og4284z8