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More than 1,200 of the world's leading practitioners in forensic sciences and research are gathering in Hong Kong to attend the 17th Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) that opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning (August 22). The meeting will close on Friday (August 26).
This is the second time the triennial meeting has been staged in Asia since the association was established in 1957 (the first Asia meeting was held in Japan). The last meeting was held in France in 2002.
The IAFS is the only international association bringing together academics and practising professionals of various disciplines in forensic science, with the objective of developing the forensic sciences; assisting forensic scientists and others to exchange scientific and technical information; and organising meetings for experience sharing.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the meeting today, IAFS President, Mr Leung Sze-chung, who is also Hong Kong's Assistant Government Chemist, announced that an international forensic summit would be held during the conference period to provide leading professionals with an opportunity to get together to identify and discuss forensic issues affecting different parts of the world, and to produce a plan for international collaboration and a quality future.
Mr Leung expressed his gratitude for the staunch support from senior members of professional bodies, international organisations, educational establishments and forensic service providers from all over the world, as well as the sponsors and exhibitors.
The main theme of the 17th Meeting of the IAFS is "Justice Through Science", which is also the title of the first plenary session. Professor Jim Fraser, Director of the Centre for Forensic Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK will present a lecture entitled "Ensuring Science Supports Justice: Our Shared Responsibilities" and Dr Henry Lee of the State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety, US, will share his experiences from high-profile cases.
The other two plenary sessions are "DNA: Genetic Fingerprints and Beyond" and "Drugs of Abuse: a Global Perspective". Prof Steven Wong from the Medical College of Wisconsin, US, will host the first session, while Dr Jeffrey Comparin from the US Drug Enforcement Administration and Mrs Rosanna Ure from the Hong Kong Government Narcotics Division will speak in the latter session.
To introduce the latest developments in forensic science and medicine in China, a special session entitled "Forensic Science in China" will be added to the scientific programme.
This year, over 200 Mainland Chinese delegates are taking part in this important world meeting.
During the meeting period, there will be 15 workshops encompassing topics of current interest and unique local skills, such as the examination of toxic Chinese medicines, forensic gemology and Chinese handwriting examination. Around 400 delegates have registered to participate.
A large-scale technical exhibition featuring the latest products and services in forensic science will also be staged alongside the meeting.
Officiating at today's opening ceremony were: the Secretary for Justice, Ms Elsie Leung; the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose Lee; the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lee Ming-kwai; the Vice Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong, Prof Lap-chee Tsui; the Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan; the Government Chemist, Dr Ting Tai-lun; and IAFS President, Mr Leung Sze-chung.
The Government Laboratory and the Hong Kong Police Force are the co-organising departments of this international event.
Ends/Monday, August 22, 2005
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