Statement concerning COVID-19:

The health and safety of our ISHI attendees, exhibitors, partners, and staff is our top priority. The symposium committee is continuing to monitor COVID-19 via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We’re working with numerous stakeholders, including health agencies, the conference venue, and suppliers, to stay on top of the latest information and guidance available and develop precautionary measures to further reduce health risks at the event.

In response to the evolving dynamics of this pandemic, one option we are exploring is for attendees to access educational content through means of a virtual ISHI experience offered through a secure platform. Content would be available for an extended period of time beyond the original dates of September 14-17, 2020.

As part of a virtual symposium, general session talks and multiple workshops would be available on demand. Other possibilities could include a virtual exhibit hall where exhibitors can demo their new products and services and numerous opportunities to network and connect with fellow attendees.

The largest annual meeting focusing entirely on DNA forensics.

Discover the newest advances in DNA technology from top experts in the field at The 31st International Symposium on Human Identification. It’s all happening at the JW Marriott, Hill Country in San Antonio, TX from September 14-17, 2020!

The Foundling – Resolving a Case of Unknown Identity through the Use of Genetic Genealogy

Tuesday September 15th // 10:00 am - 11:00 am

On April 27, 1964, a nurse came into the hospital room of Dora Fronczak, who had just given birth to her young son, Paul. She took the baby and left, saying it was time to take the baby to the nursery. In reality, the nurse had stolen the baby. Authorities were never able to find the woman. In 1965, a small toddler-aged boy was found, abandoned outside a store in New Jersey. DNA testing was not yet available, and blood tests were inconclusive. It was the shape of the child’s ears that caused authorities to believe the baby could be Paul Fronczak. The toddler was eventually sent to live with the Fronczaks in Chicago, and the case was considered closed. As an adult, Paul began to suspect that the couple who raised him were not his biological parents. In 2012 Paul underwent DNA analysis to test his suspicions. The results showed that he was not the biological son of Dora and Chester Fronczak. His next step was to enlist the help of a genetic genealogist, CeCe Moore, to assist him in finding his true biological parents and his identity.

Abstract Deadline Extended to June 14

Would you like to share your work at ISHI? We are now accepting abstracts for oral and interesting case presentations. Abstracts will be considered for oral presentation on topics related to advances in the DNA typing process, policy updates and interesting case studies.

All proposals will be selected based on perceived interest to the forensic community. Abstract proposals should be non-commercial and focused on educating forensic scientists on topics that will improve their technical, legal or policy knowledge.

Abstracts must be received by June 14, 2020 to be considered for oral or interesting case presentation.

SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT

Rock Your Favorite ISHI Tee for a Good Cause!

Help neighbors in need by wearing your ISHI t-shirt.

Even though we may not be able to come together in the same location right now, we can still come together virtually. Let’s unite as one ISHI community and support those in our field and our neighborhoods.

Put on your favorite ISHI tee from a past meeting and take a picture of yourself at home, on a walk in your neighborhood, or with your loved ones or pets and upload it below. We’ll share your photos on our social media channels to connect us during this challenging time. For each photo uploaded, we’ll donate $10 to your choice of either Feeding America or Doctors Without Borders up to $5,000 total.

Upload Your Photo

Venue

ISHI 31 will be held at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country. Located 14 miles from the San Antonio International Airport, the JW Marriott provides guests with six unique dining experiences, and the opportunity to unwind after the day’s sessions.

Exhibition

Exhibit at ISHI and introduce your products and services to upwards of 1000 forensic scientists from around the world. You’ll reach decision makers who purchase products and services related to all aspects of forensic DNA. Registration opens in February, 2020.

Become an ISHI Student Ambassador

Are you a student pursuing a degree in forensic science? Are you passionate about sharing your research with future generations? Can you “hashtag this” quicker than you can pipette? If so, we invite you to apply to become an ISHI Student Ambassador.

As an ISHI Student Ambassador, you’ll be granted complimentary registration to attend the largest conference focused entirely on DNA forensics. Learn about the latest techniques and technologies over two and a half days in the general sessions. You’ll also be given access to the pre and post-conference workshops, which will provide you with information that you can take back to the lab with you.

Applications due June 5, 2020.

LEARN MORE

Save the Date

Dust off your mouse ears, because the 32nd International Symposium on Human Identification will be held at the Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando Florida from September 14 – 17, 2021.

The ISHI Report

Each quarter, we’ll bring you a glimpse into the fascinating field of forensic science and the dedicated people committed to carrying out the important work of identifying the missing, exonerating the innocent and finding the truth in each DNA sample.

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