Registration is now open! Exhibitors can register their booth here.
Discover the newest advances in DNA technology from top experts in the field at The 30th International Symposium on Human Identification. It’s all happening at the Palm Springs Convention Center September 23-26, 2019!
Keynote – Paul Holes
former investigator with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Paul Holes had been working the Golden State Killer case for more than 20 years. He chased thousands of suspects and countless leads, but hadn’t been able to unmask the man who’d terrorized California. Nine months before he was set to retire, the unsolved cases continued to haunt him, and he wanted nothing more than to close this one.
In a conversation with a detective, Holes learned of a 2002 case in which Barbara Rae-Venter was able to identify a young kidnapping victim using her DNA and a genealogy website. After doing some research into a website called GEDmatch, Holes wondered if the same tactic might unveil the man he’d been chasing.
Hear first-hand how a little-used technique brought one of the most infamous serial killers to justice at ISHI, and read our interview with Paul in The ISHI Report.
Interested in Presenting at ISHI?
The International Symposium on Human Identification is the largest annual meeting dedicated to DNA forensics. Submit an abstract for oral, interesting case, or poster presentation for your opportunity to participate in the program and enhance the future of the field. Oral and interesting case abstracts must be received by June 9th, and poster abstracts are due on July 9th.
We are excited to bring you the newest magazine in the field of forensic DNA, that we’ve developed with you in mind – 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.
This publication was envisioned as a vehicle to bring stories to the forensic community on topics of interest to those engaged in the important work of DNA typing for human identification. Consider the magazine a supplement to the experience of attending the actual International Symposium on Human Identification where you can hear about the latest trends in forensic science, meet others who share your passion for forensics and advance your scientific knowledge.
Inside this issue, you’ll find:
- An in-depth interview with ISHI 30 Keynote, Paul Holes, on what drew him to the Golden State Killer case, how he learned of investigative genealogy, and what advice he has for others in the field.
- Information on the YHRD Database, and how it can benefit your lab.
- Easy steps that anyone can take to be a more effective leader from workshop chair, John Collins.
- A case from India where Y-STRs and ancestry informative SNPs helped predict the biogeographic ancestry of degraded remains.
- Features on the people and technologies that have impacted the field throughout the years, and more!
It’s Our Anniversary, but We Want to Celebrate You!
Throughout the year, we will be showcasing people in the field of forensic science, just like you. We know that it takes a special kind of person to do forensics work, and we’d like to know what you enjoy most about working in the forensic science field. Is it knowing that you helped to get one more predator off of the street or exonerating the innocent? Or maybe it’s applying the science you love to social issues or working on new technologies?
Whatever it is, we want to hear it! Provide a photo of yourself (with or without your lab mates) and let us know why you love working in forensics, and you’ll receive a cool forensic science bumper sticker for your effort (*shipment within the US only).
VenueVenue
ISHI’s 30th anniversary will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Once the home to The Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Lucille Ball, Palm Springs now boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, spas, and attractions – all within minutes of the Convention Center.
ExhibitionExhibition
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, 2019.
Save the Date
The 31st International Symposium on Human Identification will be held at the JW Marriott Hill Country. Save the date for September 14 – 17, 2020!
Photos from ISHI
Relive the fun from Phoenix last September!
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