Challenge:

Ahead of the 22nd Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) Sydney-based Distinguished Professor Claude Roux IAFS President (2017-2023) outlined a glaring problem facing the global forensic science profession: “There is little consensus on how best forensic science can be characterised as a discipline. Because of this shortcoming, it has been challenging to define the core principles of forensic science. This is a significant roadblock for the ongoing development and improvement of forensic science. How can we teach, research, and apply forensic science effectively if we’re unclear about its fundamental principles?” 

The IAFS 2023 Organising Committee wanted to surpass the traditional conference model by creating an event that would not only serve as a platform for knowledge exchange but also leave a significant and enduring legacy. Their vision included fostering collaboration with emerging countries and empowering early-career delegates through tangible strategic outcomes. 

Solutions:

The anticipated 2020 Meeting was cancelled two months prior due to COVID-19 and a virtual event was held in 2021 to sustain momentum. At the virtual event, a transformative statement about the fundamentals of forensic science was drafted, called The Sydney Declaration.  

The in-person meeting was finally held in November 2023 and served as a platform to refine and launch the Sydney Declaration. This was done via; 

• Short, sharply focused panel discussions in the final session of each of the 22 disciplines represented in the meeting program across, 570 oral presentations, 510 electronic posters  

• 25 pe-conference workshops held at the at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)  

• A panel-based plenary session on the conference theme. 

• 8 industry-led transdisciplinary workshops. 

• Each day, the plenary program set the scene for a series of “Where to from here” mini-summits. 

• The presentation and debate dedicated to The Sydney Declaration co-hosted by UTS and the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences. 

The Meeting established key objectives: enhance scientific advancement, improve social policy, attract global talent, drive industry innovation and support vulnerable communities with a focus on domestic violence/violence against women in developing countries.  Post-event surveys revealed delegates’ perceived performance ratings for these objectives ranged between 82% to 104% against their importance – indicating that the Meeting exceeded expectations.  

The legacy was further established through collaboration with other leading forensic science journals. This arrangement gave all delegates the opportunity to publish work presented at IAFS 2023 in special issues of the Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences (extended abstract) or Forensic Science (peer-reviewed paper). 

Outcome:

IAFS 2023 was designed to be a distinctive conference, and the Organising Committee succeeded in its overarching objective to provide strategic direction to forensic science while also establishing a lasting legacy. 

One of the plenary speakers encapsulated this achievement by stating, “IAFS 2023 served as a pivotal moment where forensic science began articulating its own language and championing its distinctive culture and vision.” 

The Sydney Declaration is already having a measurable impact, seen through its translation to multiple languages, its reference in legal proceedings and recent adoption by the African Forensic Sciences Academy.  

Despite the cost of the 2020 postponement, delegate targets were surpassed, resulting in an investment in future educational opportunities for ANZFSS and UTS students while 45+ abstracts were published in Forensic Science International. Additionally, Arinex assisted in the delivery of scholarships for delegates from low-income countries.  Overall, the Meeting served as a catalyst for advancing forensic science, supporting developing communities, and enhancing professional practices worldwide. 

By all accounts, IAFS 2023 was a resounding success, and we met our objectives. As expressed by one of our plenary speakers, it served as a pivotal moment where forensic science began articulating its own language and championing its distinctive culture and vision. We take pride in our leading role in this transformative journey. 

I also acknowledge 1,707 delegates from 70 countries worldwide, including 20 scholarship winners from low-income and lower to middle-income countries. This made the largest IAFS meeting ever!” 

Dist. Prof. Claude Roux, IAFS 2023 Committee Chair