American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)

Discover insights from Tom Spudich on forensic science advancements and challenges as AAFS 2026 approaches in New Orleans.

In this interview previewing the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS 2026), Conference, Spectroscopy sat down with James Cizdziel of the University of Mississippi to discuss the state of forensic analysis.

In the lead-up to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference, we reflect on some of the most pertinent ongoing trends in forensic analysis.

In this full-length interview, Thomas (Tom) Metz, a Laboratory Fellow and Chief Science Officer of the Biological Sciences Division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, discusses his research and his thoughts from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference.

In this video interview segment, we asked Claire Glynn about the latest technological developments, and what type of challenges forensic scientists are currently facing.

In this video interview segment, Glynn of the University of New Haven discusses the significant advancements in forensic technology, particularly the use of forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) for identifying human remains.

In this video interview clip, Claire Glynn highlights the advancements in portable DNA analysis, emphasizing its current role rather than future potential in forensic science.

This interview segment shifts away from the technology that is impacting forensic sciences and instead focuses on a broader issue in the industry.

In this video segment, Metz discusses advancements in field deployable units, such as miniaturized mass spectrometers and separation devices, which are notable for their size reduction.

In this video clip, Eldridge identifies three main challenges in the forensic science field: funding constraints, effective communication of results, and the implementation of new standards.

In this video clip, Metz discusses his focus on molecular measurement science using mass spectrometry (MS) to study small molecules, emphasizing the challenge of identifying and quantifying unknown compounds.

In this video clip, Metz discusses his research in helping to develop advanced MS instrumentation, and how he is applying his work to study diseases.

In this video interview, we speak with Tom Metz of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Heidi Eldridge of George Washington University, and Claire Glynn of the University of New Haven, all of whom attended AAFS this year and delivered important talks that provide insight into the state of the forensic science industry. Metz, Eldridge, and Glynn offer some insights into what it was like to attend AAFS this year and give their thoughts as to what stood out to them throughout the week.

Here, we provide a preview of our upcoming multi-day video series that will focus on recapping the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Conference, as well as documenting the current state of the forensic science industry.

At the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Conference (AAFS) 2025, several sessions will focus on the use of spectroscopy in forensic analysis.

On Wednesday, February 19th, a plenary session will explore the pros and cons of artificial intelligence. We preview this session here.

On Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, from 8:30–9:30 am EST, a keynote address will take place at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference. We preview the keynote here.

This year, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Conference is taking place from February 17–22, 2025. We highlight the importance of spectroscopy in this field and why we’re covering the conference this year.