Vanessa and Stephen will introduce the session’s theme of transforming forensic DNA capacity in Africa and the vital role of forensic DNA technology in enhancing justice systems and providing crucial support to humanitarian causes across Africa.

The discussion will focus on mass fatality events in Kenya, including the Garissa Attacks, Westgate Terrorist Attacks, and recent Kenyan Cult Deaths, exploring how forensics helped identify victims in these disasters. It will also address the challenges faced by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) during these investigations.

The discussion will focus on the General Authority for Search and Identification of Missing Persons (GASIMP) in Libya, Africa’s first institution of its kind. The session will highlight GASIMP's role in disaster victim identification using DNA techniques, its challenges, and its ongoing work, including efforts related to the recent floods in Derna. It will also cover GASIMP’s collaborations with international organizations and its local forensic training initiatives.

The discussion will feature one of the most renowned expert witnesses in South Africa, who will share insights from some of her most extraordinary testimonies. Her cases range from high-profile and intriguing DNA cases, including the Van Breda family triple murder, and other notable cases.

This discussion will explore Zambia's pioneering role in introducing innovative forensic DNA solutions in Africa, demonstrating how the country has been at the forefront of transforming criminal justice and humanitarian efforts through cutting-edge scientific interventions and policies. It will also highlight how these advancements can serve as a model for other emerging nations.

Vanessa and Stephen will lead a panel discussion with all four speakers from this session on the couch about the challenges and advancements occurring across their regions, along with recommendations for improving forensic DNA capacity and utilizing DNA for humanitarian and justice efforts in Africa. Audience interaction will be encouraged.

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Welcome by 
Ms Sheri Olson, Vice President & General Manager TFS (Human ID & CE)

Interactive broadcast featuring this year’s top DNA database hits, hosted by Tim Schellberg and Vanessa Lynch.

Tim Schellberg will introduce and comment on this riveting conversation, hosted by Chris Asplen, featuring Barry Scheck, Amanda Knox, and Charles Linehan, discussing exonerations, wrongful convictions, and false confessions. This presentation examines the transformative role of DNA technology in reshaping the criminal justice system, highlighting how advancements have enabled the re-examination of evidence and overturned wrongful convictions.

Vanessa will introduce this session, which describes how the combined efforts between France and Germany's databases helped to solve a series of sexual assault cases, using DNA evidence to identify unknown suspects. The case highlights the power of international cooperation and the integration of DNA databases across borders to solve crimes.

Law enforcement agencies in the United States are celebrating a new FBI rule that will allow crime scene evidence tested with Rapid DNA to be entered into the CODIS database, which contains over 23 million criminal offender profiles. This presentation will look at how this development will change law enforcement's relationship with DNA, both within the United States and internationally.

Showcase:
Standout cases and achievements from HIDS 2025

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Presentation on converting post-conflict lessons learned into proactive measures to reduce military personnel from becoming unaccounted for.

Discussion on policies regarding the use of traditional and Rapid DNA technologies at borders for crime prevention and immigration control.

This presentation will explore advancements in forensic genetics, including phenotyping and public genealogy databases, and their potential to create realistic genetic photofits—sharing insights from university work with Cold Case units and the LOCATE charity.

An exploration of NGS technologies
and the complexities of analysing DNA mixtures in forensic investigations

DNA policy leaders from around the world will convene to provide an insightful summary and discussion on the future of global DNA database programs. Tim Schellberg, President of GTH and expert Global DNA Policy Leader, will lead the session, with contributions from regional leaders: Vanessa Lynch (Africa), Kevin Mills (Latin America), Kyle Schroeder (Europe/Middle East), Saurabh Mayra (Asia), and Lisa Hurst (North America).

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Participants will engage in discussions on shared topics within the region and explore potential collaboration opportunities. Non-Arabic speakers are welcome and encouraged to join, with a translator available to facilitate communication.

Wrap-up of the day’s sessions and an opportunity for networking.