Previewing the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Conference

Next week, some of the leading forensic scientists in the field will gather at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland, for the 77^th Annual Scientific Conference, hosted by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). The AAFS Conference brings together about 3,000 forensic science professionals to share their research and network (1). The 2025 conference program promises more than 1,000 scientific presentations, 27 workshops, and a multitude of poster sessions, along with other events (1).

Baltimore, Maryland, USA Downtown Skyline Aerial | Image Credit: © Kevin Ruck - stock.adobe.com

This year, the conference presentations and workshops will reinforce the conference theme, which revolves around technological innovations in forensic analysis. The theme, titled “Technology: A Tool for Transformation of Tyranny,” touches upon a hot topic in the forensic science industry (1,2).

“Speakers will explore the potential promise and peril of various technologies, including artificial intelligence, that are used in forensic science,” said AAFS President Christopher “Kip” Thompson in a video posted on the AAFS website (2).

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in the scientific community. Although it has helped scientists automate certain menial tasks and sort through data more efficiently, ethical, moral, and practical concerns are present with using AI, including the fact that AI, in its current form does not replace good science, and it is only good as a predictive modeling tool when the information it is presented with is good (3). In other words, scientists must be careful in their utilization of AI, because it is only a tool, not a crutch for conducting scientific research. This can be especially of concern when trying to automate certain tasks: if the initial setup is done incorrectly, then all AI will do is result in the mistake being made more quickly and repetitively, costing time and resources (3).

Therefore, because of the focus on new technologies and AI, the AAFS Conference will feature numerous presentations and workshops dedicated to the advancements and applications of spectroscopic techniques in forensic science (2). Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, explore the latest research findings, and discuss the challenges and future directions of spectroscopy in forensics.

Spectroscopy has a range of techniques that would appeal to forensic scientists because of the techniques’ abilities to provide detailed insights into the chemical composition of various substances. In forensic science, these methods are invaluable for the non-destructive analysis of evidence, ensuring that samples remain intact for further examination.

Several of these techniques include infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) (4). Recently, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy has been used for analyzing biological stains. This method is advantageous over most current biochemical tests because of its high specificity, universality, nonconsumptive nature, and potential for quick in situ analysis where the stain is examined directly on the substrate (5).

Raman spectroscopy has also become a popular technique for forensic analysts. Because it can analyze samples without destroying them, it is effective at providing molecular fingerprints of substances (4,6). As a result, it is useful for identifying pigments, dyes, and other compounds in questioned documents or artworks (6).

Another trend in the spectroscopy community that is directly impacting forensic analysis is the rapid development of portable instruments. These portable devices allow for on-site analysis, enabling rapid decision-making during crime scene investigations (7). At AAFS 2025, there will be several sessions that highlight portable spectroscopy instruments, and the role they play in forensic analysis. These instruments enable the identification and characterization of substances at crime scenes, which allows forensic scientists to conduct their analysis more quickly (7).

In conclusion, the 77th Annual Scientific Conference of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences will highlight the role of spectroscopy in modern forensic investigations. As technology continues to evolve, spectroscopic methods are expected to remain important in forensic science, ensuring accurate, efficient, and non-destructive analysis of evidence at crime scenes.

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. 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
4. Kaveti, B. What Spectroscopy Techniques are Most Useful in Forensics? AZO Optics. Available at: https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2456 (accessed 2025-02-12).
5. Mistek, E.; Lednev, I. FT-IR Spectroscopy for Identification of Biological Stains for Forensic Purposes. Spectroscopy Suppl. 2018, 33 (s8), 8–19. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/ft-ir-spectroscopy-identification-biological-stains-forensic-purposes
6. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Molecular Spectroscopy for Forensics. Thermo Fisher. Available at: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/molecular-spectroscopy/molecular-spectroscopy-forensics.html (accessed 2025-02-12).
7. Wetzel, W. Portable Spectroscopy and Forensic Analysis: Trends and Emerging Technologies. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/portable-spectroscopy-and-forensic-analysis-trends-and-emerging-technologies (accessed 2025-02-12).