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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.

Special thanks

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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.

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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

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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

0845 Petra Muller HIDS Meeting Rome 04-05-2018_Mueller.pptx.thumb.319.319.1526480119000

The DNASeqEx Project: Exploring STR Sequencing and Global Exchange              
Petra Müller, Medical University of lnnsbruck, Austria
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0945 Tim Kupferschmidt HIDS Rome May 2018_TDK_Final.pptx.thumb.319.319.1526567203054

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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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8:00–9:30Registration, exhibition opening 
9:30–10:30Welcome and keynote presentation 
09:30Welcome and introductionJohn Lesica, Vice President, Life Sciences Group EMEA, Thermo Fisher Scientific
09:40The world leader in serving scienceDaniele Galli, Country Commercial Leader, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Italy
09:50Integrated human identification solutionsRosy Lee, Vice President, Human Identification, Thermo Fisher Scientific, US
10:00Keynote presentation: Latest perspectives on the use of DNA in forensicsJack Ballantyne, University of Central Florida, US
10:30–11:00Coffee break and networking 
 Breakout presentation: Collection systems for forensic analysisCOPAN 
11:00–12:30Use of DNA databases in forensic casesPeter Schneider, University of Cologne, Germany (Chair)
11:00A DNA 'guiding light' investigation: the Yara caseGianpietro Lago, Parma, Italy
11:20Central Laboratory for the National DNA Database: The Italian Reference LaboratoryNunzia Piumelli, Banca Dati Nazionale del DNA, Italia, Roma
11:40DNA analysis and the role it plays in missing persons investigations in Victoria, AustraliaDadna Hartman, Victoria Police, Australia
12:00Routine analysis of challenging casework casesZhang Guangfeng, IFS, MPS, China
12:30–14:00Lunch break and networking 
 Breakout presentation: The world of augmented identityIDEMIA
 Breakout presentation: Applying the DEPArray™ technology for the investigation of real forensic mixed samples – initial experiences at LMU, MunchenMenarini Silicon Biosystems
14:00–15:00Casework experiences from across the globeIngo Bastisch, BKA, Germany (Chair)
14.00Using the Applied Biosystems™ NGM Detect kit in forensic samples Venusia Cortellini UOC Medicina Legale, Universita degli Studi, Brescia
14:20UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and assessment for probabilistic genotyping: A multi software strategy for mixture interpretation in real casework challenging samplesPaolo Garofano, Centro Regionale Antidoping, Orbassano, Torino
14:40DNA tests incriminate 'The ripper of Majadahonda (Madrid)'Gonzalo Duran, Guardia Civil Madrid, Spain
15.00Detection of Biological Material and Integration into Casework Workflow: 'how to get research implemented into casework'Rachel Fleming, ESR - Forensic Science, New Zealand
15:20Sexual assault kits in America: experiences of a forensic laboratory deluged with sexual assault kitsMike Cariola, Bode Cellmark Forensics, US
15:40-16:10Coffee break and networking 
 Breakout presentation: Automation in the forensic genetics laboratoryHamilton
16:10–18:00Adoption of new forensic DNA technologiesNiels Morling, DFI, Denmark (Chair)
16:10At the crossroads of qRT-PCR: looking for a true zero threshold with the Applied Biosystems™ Quantifiler™ TrioMaristella Santoro/Emanuela Cipolletta, Polizia Roma, Italy
16:30Detection and DNA profiling of Latent DNAAdrian Linacre, Flinders University, Australia
16:50Comparison of DNA stability using various sample collection devicesSeiki Nakao, Oita Prefectural Police, Japan
17:10The application of NGS and CE systems in identification of human remains from rebels’ graves found in Gediminas Hill: the Lithuanian historical mystery since 1863Marija 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
18:00–19:30End of day 1 plenary, free time (HIDS space closed for evening event preparation) 
19:30–20:30HIDS dinner and party, exhibition, posters, networking 
20:00-22:30 HIDS dinner, networking and party (with DJ. Ralf)  
8:00–8:45Gordon Thomas Honeywell Prize to Best Database Hit of the Year 2018Tim Schellberg, Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, US
8:45–10:30Application of HID NGS solutions in routine forensic analysisChris Philips, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain (Chair)
08:45The DNASeqEx Project: Exploring STR Sequencing and Global ExchangePetra Müeller, Medical University of lnnsbruck, Austria
09:05Using MPS to extend potential of predictive DNA analysis in forensicsEwelina Pośpeich, Jagiellonian University, Poland
09:25Automation of the Precision ID NGS system for routine useFranck Jaffrédo, IGNA, France
09:45Evaluation of the Applied Biosystems™ Precision ID GlobalFiler™ NGS STR Panel v2Tim Kupferschmid, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York City, US
10:05Precision ID Ancestry Panel v1.0 and mtDNA Whole Genome sequencing for ancient bone samplesMasaki Hashiyada, Kansai Medical University, Japan
10:35–11:00Coffee break and networking 
 Regional breakout sessions Thermo Fisher Scientific 
 Rapid DNA case demonstration
IntegenX
11:00–12:30Application of HID NGS solutions in routine forensic analysisRuna Daniel, Victoria Police, Australia (Chair)
11:00Implementing an MPS mtGenome Panel into casework in a Missing Persons DNA ProgramDaniela Cuenca, California Dept of Justice, US
11:20NGS assays in forensic genetic casework: Past experiences and what is nextClaus Boersting, Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
11:40A forensic genetics intelligence service for AustraliaDennis McNevin, University of Canberra, Australia
12:00Preliminary validation study of the Applied Biosystems™ Precision ID Globalfiler NGS STR PanelChristian Faccinetto/Nicola Staiti, Parma, Italy
12:30–13:10Application of HID NGS solutions in routine forensic analysisDaniele Podini, Dept of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, US (Chair)
12:30Development of an ancestry-informative panel for the Asia Pacific regionRuna Daniel, Victoria Police, Australia
12:50Application of the Applied Biosytems™ Precision ID GlobalFiler™ NGS STR Panel v2Jennifer Churchill, University of North Texas, US
13:10–13:30Final keynote presentation 
13:10The future of direct amplification: faster, cheaper, and more sensitiveCarl Mayers, DSTL, UK
13:30Final remarks and event closingPaolo Concio, Thermo Fisher Scientific
13:45–15:00Lunch, exhibition, posters and networking 
15.00HIDS Rome closed. Delegates depart. 

Read what some of our delegates and speakers had to say about HIDS Rome:

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“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)

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“Thank you for everything. I really enjoyed the conference. I have already recommended it to my colleagues.”

Laboratory chief
Governmental forensic institution (US)

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“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)

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“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)