Forensic Science Validation Workshop

  • Workshop

Forensic Science Validation Workshop

  • November 6, 2025 //
  • 1:30 pm -
  • 4:30 pm //
  • Palm Beach Convention Center

Validation is a critical part of the scientific process for assessing whether a technique is technically sound and can be used in laboratories to produce robust and defensible analytical results. In the forensic science context, validation is mandated for laboratories accredited under the ISO/IEC 17025 standard, yet the standard tells laboratories that methods must be validated but does not provide a rigorous framework describing how a method or technique can or should be validated. There is a critical need in the forensic science community for a scientifically based framework for how laboratories should approach validation. Not only would this serve as a means for strengthening the robustness of validation studies designed to support the use of forensic science methods implemented in operational practice, but it would also serve to promote greater consistency in how validation is approached across different laboratories and disciplines throughout forensic science community. In support of this effort, RTI is working with NIST to provide a generalized framework that is applicable across multiple laboratories and disciplines to guide how laboratories should perform a scientifically defensible validation study.

This workshop will discuss and use validation data from rapid DNA systems as the focus of discussion. Important principles and new tools under development at NIST will be reviewed and demonstrated.

 

Validation is a critical part of the scientific process for assessing whether a technique is technically sound and can be used in laboratories to produce robust and defensible analytical results. In the forensic science context, validation is mandated for laboratories accredited under the ISO/IEC 17025 standard, yet the standard tells laboratories that methods must be validated but does not provide a rigorous framework describing how a method or technique can or should be validated. There is a critical need in the forensic science community for a scientifically based framework for how laboratories should approach validation. Not only would this serve as a means for strengthening the robustness of validation studies designed to support the use of forensic science methods implemented in operational practice, but it would also serve to promote greater consistency in how validation is approached across different laboratories and disciplines throughout forensic science community. In support of this effort, RTI is working with NIST to provide a generalized framework that is applicable across multiple laboratories and disciplines to guide how laboratories should perform a scientifically defensible validation study.

This workshop will discuss and use validation data from rapid DNA systems as the focus of discussion. Important principles and new tools under development at NIST will be reviewed and demonstrated.

 

Pricing:


  • Standard Registration$275
  • Student$200

Fee includes lunch and materials.

  • Early Registration
  • $250.00
  • Standard Registration (after July 15)
  • $295.00
  • Student Registration$195.00
  • $195.00

Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.

Brought to you by

Worldwide Association of Women Forensic Experts

Agenda:


1:30-1:35pm
Welcome and Introduction (pre-recorded), John Butler
1:35-2:10pm
Rountable discussion and principles of validation, Henry Swofford
2:10-2:40pm
Rapid DNA: Application of validation principles, Erica Romsos
3:10-3:20pm
BREAK
3:20-4:20pm
Hands-on with VAST and rapid DNA data, Steve Lund/Erica Romsos
4:20-4:30pm
Discussion and wrap-up, Henry Swofford
Chair

John Butler

NIST Fellow & Special Assistant to the Director at the National Institute of Standards and Technology

John M. Butler holds a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Virginia. He has written five textbooks on Forensic DNA Typing (2001, 2005, 2010, 2012, and 2015) and given hundreds of invited talks to scientists, lawyers, and members of the general public throughout the United States and in 26 other countries so far. Dr. Butler is a NIST Fellow (highest scientific rank at NIST) and Special Assistant to the Director for Forensic Science in the Special Programs Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

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Steve Lund

NIST

Steve Lund received his PhD in statistics from Iowa State University. He joined NIST as a mathematical statistician in 2012 and currently leads the Evidential Statistics Focus Area and the NIST Footwear Impression Research Group. He is a former member of the OSAC Footwear and Tire Subcommittee and currently supports three of the NIST Forensic Science Foundations Review teams.

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Erica Romsos

Research Biologist, NIST

Erica Romsos is a Research Biologist with the Applied Genetics Group at NIST focusing on rapid DNA testing, digital PCR analysis, and standards development. Her work in Standard Reference Material characterization has assisted the creation of many SRMs produced by NIST and the creation of a Research Grade Testing Material (RGTM 10235) for the forensic DNA community. Additionally, Erica is the Leader of the Forensic Science Quality Assurance Program, supporting method testing, validation, and technology performance across different forensic science disciplines.

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Henry Swofford

Lead Scientist, Forensic Science Research Program, Special Programs Office, NIST

Dr. Henry Swofford is the Lead Scientist with the Forensic Science Research Program in the Special Programs Office at NIST. Over his career, Swofford has authored several articles and given approximately 150 professional presentations throughout the United States and International community related to forensic science methods and practices. He has testified in federal, state, and military courts as an expert and served on numerous committees and boards related to forensic science.

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