Accelerator-based analytical techniques for elemental and molecular analysis in forensic science have a great potential in key areas as crime investigations, food, drug and cultural heritage authentication. Although, these analytical techniques are readily available and routinely applied in research, there is still a considerable gap when it comes to forensics applications.

The workshop will provide an advanced training and information exchange platform both for accelerator scientists and forensic end-users. Review of analytical capabilities of accelerator-based techniques including state-of-the-art and technical challenges will be followed by providing guidelines and case studies on how to extend the applicability of accelerator-based techniques to forensics science. A poster session is organized to present and discuss the participants’ research results. Visit of Sincrotrone Elettra and a Forensic Laboratory, will provide hands-on experience. The workshop is open both for young and experienced scientists, forensic experts and policy makers.

Topics:

• Introduction to forensic science, key aspects;
• Current challenges and unresolved issues in forensic science where nuclear technology can have a key role;
• Use of technology to fight crime and recent trends of the counterfeiting phenomenon;

• Recent advances of accelerator-based (AMS, IBA and SR) analytical techniques relevant to forensics applications;
• Emerging accelerator-based and complementary (e.g. SIMS, NAA, XRF etc.) techniques;
• Analytical challenges in forensics applications e.g.: parallel elemental and molecular analysis and imaging, analysis of soft matter, multilayers, rough surfaces; high sensitivity and resolution, accuracy, damage, data interpretation etc.;
• Case studies and success stories of nuclear technologies applied to forensic science.

Speakers:

Nuno P. Barradas, IAEA, Austria
Melanie Bailey, University of Surrey, England
Thomas Calligaro, C2RMF-AGLAE, France
Johnny Ferraz Dias, UFRGS, Brazil
Irka Hajdas, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Marco Musumeci, UNICRI, Switzerland
Franco Zanini, Sincrotrone Elettra, Trieste, Italy

Grants:

A limited number of grants are available to support the attendance of selected participants, with priority given to participants from developing countries. There is no registration fee.


Deadline: 1 March 2019