WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
each workshop recording has a 4-hour duration
By clicking the workshop number on the table below, you will be directly guided to the corresponding detailed section.
WS 1.1 | WS 4.1 | WS 7.1 | WS 10.1 |
WS 1.2 | WS 4.2 | WS 7.2 | WS 10.2 |
WS 2.1 | WS 5.1 | WS 8.1 | WS 11 |
WS 2.2 | WS 5.2 | WS 8.2 | WS 12 |
WS 3 | WS 6 | WS 9 |
WORKSHOP 1.1
Biogeographical ancestry analyses: BasicTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARY
DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 1.2
Biogeographical ancestry interpretation: AdvancedTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThe workshop will provide an introduction to
Practical exercises with GenoGeographer will make up a large part of the workshop and the participants will be divided into smaller groups with the purpose of discussing relevant hypotheses, interpretation of results, and communication with end-users. The exercises will provide examples of possible applications and limitations of biogeographic analyses in case work. The participants will also be encouraged to discuss what should be the next steps in forensic biogeographic interpretation. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 2.1
Inference of relationships: Basic kinship statisticsTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThe workshop will cover the basics of relationship inference using genetic markers. The first part will cover basic principles of inheritance and how likelihoods for pedigrees can be calculated based on genetic data touching on some advanced topics for paternity testing. In the second part we will introduce software that can be used for such likelihood calculations. This part will also contain guided examples and exercises. Finally, we will explore simulations as a tool to evaluate the information content of a set of genetic markers for a given kinship question. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 2.2
Inference of relationships: Advanced kinship statisticsTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThe workshop will cover advanced topics in relationship inference such as linked markers and genetic genealogy. We will focus on advanced topics such as statistical inference for expanded marker panels and the possibilities to solve distant relationship cases. The workshop will also cover alternative biostatistical approaches, genetic genealogy and concepts like linkage and linkage disequilibrium. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 3
Forensic Epigenetics: Basic concepts, methods and applicationsTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOMEAfter following this workshop, the participants will be able to:
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYEpigenetics is a relatively new but fast-developing field of research within forensic genetics. The increasing interest is mainly driven by the ability of epigenetic profiling to uncover the influence of ageing and various environmental factors on DNA. In particular, forensic DNA methylation studies so far have been developed to study tissue- and age-associated effects in forensically relevant tissues, or even individual differences between identical twins. These insights have been possible by the employment of DNA conversion techniques and a wide range of common but adjusted genotyping methods. However, consensus on research and method design, as well as data interpretation and reporting are still missing. The workshop will be divided into four modules:
Each module will include both lectures and short exercises, enabling you to not only learn important aspects of this new forensic biomarker type, but also apply what you learn in practice. We will achieve this by incorporating quizzes, analyzing small-scale methylation datasets, implementing age prediction models, and critically discussing the benefits and limitations of various forensic epigenetic applications. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 4.1
Pedigree analysis: BasicTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThe study of pedigrees and genetic relatedness is central in forensic genetics. The aim of this course is to introduce the elegant statistical foundations of relatedness, as well as several forensic applications, with a particular focus on using R for calculations and visualisations. In the basic course we will focus on pedigree coefficients and likelihood ratios for kinship analysis. Lectures and exercises are based on the book Pedigree Analysis in R (Vigeland '21). DETAILED PROGRAMAvailable here
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WORKSHOP 4.2
Pedigree analysis: AdvancedTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThe advanced session builds on the basic part, delving deeper into applications and implementations of pedigree analysis in forensic genetics. Main topics for this workshop include pedigree reconstruction and disaster victim identification. DETAILED PROGRAMAvailable here
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WORKSHOP 5.1
Evaluation of biological results given activity level propositions using Bayesian networks: BasicTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYAt the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 5.2
Bayesian networks and activity level reporting: AdvancedTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThis workshop works through several aspects of Bayesian Network construction that will extend participant’s existing understanding. The workshop will cover:
The presenters will work through examples of cases using software HUGIN and explain the practical construction, as well as the underlying intuition. There will be time for questions and discussion on the various aspects presented. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 6 (MINI-SYMPOSIUM)
An introduction to and use of microhaplotypes in forensicsTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCEForensic genetics practitioners, researchers and students interested in the application of modern sequencing technologies to the analysis of forensic DNA evidence. LEARNING OUTCOMEAttendees will be able to:
SOFTWARE TOOLS
MINI-SYMPOSIUM SUMMARYMicrohaplotypes (MHs) are an emerging forensic DNA marker characterized by sets of SNPs within a short distance of each other. MHs have a number of advantages over short tandem repeats (STRs), including: having alleles of identical size within a locus; absence of stutter artifacts; significantly lower mutation rates; and, the means to infer a sample donor’s biogeographical ancestry in a simultaneous test to that used for identification. This workshop will review the history of MHs, explain the selection parameters used to choose the best forensic MH loci, discuss phasing tools, and review various panels developed by researchers and the tools to access their genomic data and population variation. The use of microhaplotype data to infer ancestry with Snipper’s multiple-allele classification system and the STRUCTURE genetic cluster algorithm will be briefly outlined. Participants will receive hands-on instruction with bioinformatics analysis tools for allele calling and basic probabilistic genotyping tools for sample processing. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 7.1
Y-chromosome interpretation: extended/new methodologies on Y-SNPs and Y-STRsTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThis workshop will reveal the important role that the human Y-chromosome can play in forensic genetics. The workshop starts by covering the history and the basics of forensic Y-chromosome analysis. There will be a large focus on technological advancements that were made and how these can be applied in forensic case work. Lastly, you will learn about new software tools that are developed in the field and how these tools can be utilized for their own specific needs. The workshop will cover forensic Y-chromosome interpretation though the eyes of two representatives of Generation Y. The workshop is designed in a way that both experienced Y-chromosome investigators and forensic geneticists with little prior knowledge about the potential of the Y will gain practical useful tools that could be incorporated in their personal lab setting. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 7.2
Y chromosome interpretation: standard Y-STRs and the use of YHRDTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLSWORKSHOP SUMMARYUse of the YHRD: The Y Chromosome Haplotype Reference Database (YHRD) is a database of Y-STR profiles from populations around the world, used to aid in the interpretation of Y-STR profiles in forensic investigations. You will learn how to use the YHRD to compare and analyze Y-STR profiles, as well as how to interpret the statistical significance of any matches. You also learn about the ethical considerations involved in using genetic databases in criminal investigations. Interpretation of Mixtures: One of the challenges in Y-STR analysis is interpreting mixtures, which can occur when DNA from multiple individuals is present in a single sample. You will learn how to identify and interpret mixtures using analytical tools and software available at YHRD. You will also learn about the limitations of these techniques and the importance of validating your results. Use of Kinship Calculations: Y-STR analysis can also be used to determine the degree of relatedness between individuals, making it a valuable tool in kinship analysis. In this workshop, you will learn about the principles of kinship analysis and how to calculate relatedness using your calculator or YHRD. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 8.1
Mixture interpretation: Basic use of the software EuroForMix and DNAStatistXTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThis workshop includes an introduction to the interpretation of DNA mixtures and explanation of likelihood ratio calculations using EuroForMix/DNAStatistX. Hands-on exercises will be performed using the latest versions of EuroForMix and DNAStatistX using provided exercises. To facilitate, we will provide instructions enable users to download the freely available software onto their computers beforehand. How to interpret the results as well as how to report the results will be discussed. The aim of the workshop is to provide sufficient information and support so that users will be able to run EuroForMix and DNAStatistX software and to understand and report the results. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 8.2
Mixture interpretation: Advanced. Using EuroForMix, DNAStatistX and accompanying softwareTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThis is an advanced course intended for case-work scientists who have experience with mixture analysis and interpretation. Some experience (theory and hands-on) with EuroForMix and/or DNAStatistX will be required. Prior to the workshop, instructions will be provided to enable users to download the latest versions of the freely available software onto their computers and to run a pre-course exercise to make sure the software is installed correctly. During the workshop challenging situations will be discussed, such as:
Expected trends will be discussed and hands-on exercises will be performed for some of the challenging situations. Furthermore, Turing expectation and calibration of models as well as report writing will be discussed. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 9
Wildlife DNA typingTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARY
DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 10.1
Bioinformatics MPS: BasicTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThis workshop will focus on the availability of sequencing technologies and commercial kits, the laboratory procedures utilized to generate sequence data, first- and third-party software workflows for data analysis, best practices of reporting sequence data in forensic genomics, and basic analysis of Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) data with the STRait Razor Suite and FDSTools software will be demonstrated. Attendees will be instructed on the usage of primary (STRait Razor v3 and FDSTools2.0) and secondary analysis (STRait Razor Online) tools to analyze data from commercially available kits. The strengths of and rationale behind the different methods will be explored by examining the results. This way, attendees will gain a deeper insight into the powers and challenges (and solutions!) that arise from the application of MPS to forensic samples. Attendees should have general understanding of massively parallel sequencing of DNA markers including, but not limited to, concepts such as DNA libraries, STR repeats, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 10.2
Bioinformatics MPS: AdvancedTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThis workshop will focus on employing the STRait Razor Suite and FDSTools software for analysis of Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) data. Attendees will be instructed on the usage of primary (STRait Razor v3 and FDSTools2.0) and secondary analysis (STRait Razor Online) tools to analyze data from commercially available kits. Additionally, guidance will be given for modifying the default settings, developing configuration files for both primary and secondary analysis of laboratory-developed tests (e.g., in-house PCR multiplex assays), and considerations for further processing the output. The strengths of and rationale behind the different methods will be explored by examining the results. This way, attendees will gain a deeper insight into the powers and challenges (and solutions!) that arise from the application of MPS to forensic samples. Attendees should be familiar with general constructs of DNA markers and formats of standard sequencing data storage file types (e.g., BED, FASTQ, SAM/BAM, etc.). While no formal familiarity with any programming languages (e.g., R, Python, etc.) is required, modification of open-source materials may require some basic understanding of computer programming. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 11
MPS mtDNA: Analysis and interpretationTEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYThe forensic field has witnessed major developments in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis in the past few years, particularly in association with Massively Parallel Next Generation Sequencing (MPS) techniques. This workshop showcasts the highlights and discusses various issues with the interpretation of MPS-based mtDNA sequences, including validation studies, the interpretation of sequence raw data with particular focus on NUMTs, heteroplasmy, artefacts and mixtures, database searches with EMPOP. The workshop provides a brief introduction to the mtDNA molecule and field and is thus suitable for beginners and experts. Participants are invited to send challenging samples/cases beforehand to be included in the discussion. DETAILED PROGRAM
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WORKSHOP 12
Body fluid identification with main focus on RNATEACHERSINTENDED AUDIENCE
LEARNING OUTCOME
SOFTWARE TOOLS
WORKSHOP SUMMARYDNA matching the victim is found on an item or body part allegedly inserted into the victim’s intimate parts. The suspect claims there was only social contact. Can we show the presence of vaginal cell material? By what methods? How do we report results and how are results handled in court? Likewise for a knife on which blade cell material is present: does it present a DNA-match with a wounded victim and can we infer organ type to address whether it fits the wounding of the victim? We will discuss the molecular methods such as mRNA typing that are available and used in case work (since 2012). We will also explore further applications such as the association of donor and cell type that will become available in the near future. DETAILED PROGRAM
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