OUR MISSION EXPLAINED IN 5 STEPS
Our goal is to help find solution based action in the fight against crime.
Through our experienced forensic DNA experts and key opinion leaders, we offer the data and policy information needed to make DNA database strategy decisions in the following ways:
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
#2026 CAPE TOWN
AFRICAN FORENSIC FORUM
African Forensic Forum, 18-19 March 2026 OFPI, Cape Town, South Africa
The 6th AFF at the Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute (OFPI) in Cape Town, hosted by DNAforAfrica, the University of Cape Town, and the ICRC, will coincide with the 20th anniversary of Forensic Pathology Service. Building on the momentum of the last 5 Forensic DNA Symposiums across our region, this 6th hybrid event brings together researchers, scientists, practitioners, technologists, innovators, policy makers, mortuary managers, and students who are shaping the future of forensic science in Africa.
Over two days, participants will engage in presentations and workshops on not only forensic DNA but forensic pathology, medico-legal death investigations, student-led research, human identification, forensic policy, emerging trends in DNA analysis, and the current challenges and success stories across the continent.
6#AFF 2026 | PROGRAM
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
• Connect across academia, practice, policy, and industry
• Build cross-disciplinary relationships
KNOWLEDGE
EXCHANGE
• Interact with speakers and experts
• Share methods and operational insight
STRATEGIC
ENGAGEMENT
• Increase professional visibility
• Support ongoing collaboration
OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM
This two-day programme focuses on human identification in forensic and medico-legal contexts,
with particular emphasis on applied research, methodological development, and policy-relevant practice.
Wednesday, 18 March 2026 | AFF2026 | Day 1
DAY 1 is dedicated to student and early-career research in human identification, providing a focused platform for the presentation of empirical studies, applied methodologies, and case-informed research. Sessions span DNA profiling, forensic pathology, wildlife DNA profiling, and identification workflows, and more! The day also includes high level and hands on (in person) workshops designed to strengthen research and applied skills, alongside exhibitions of latest DNA and forensic technologies as well as forensic research outputs and operational tools.
Thursday, 19 March 2026 | AFF2026 | Day 2
DAY 2 shifts to expert-led analysis and professional perspectives on forensic human identification. Key presentations and panel discussions address current challenges in identification practice, including standards, evidentiary interpretation, capacity development, and the interface between science, law, and policy. The exhibition continues throughout the day at the OFPI, a working interdisciplinary forensic pathology environment in which the conference is hosted. The programme concludes with our not to be missed and fully sponsored social event, providing a relaxed setting for professional exchange across academic, practitioner, and policy communities.
The programme is fully sponsored, and participation is free for both in-person and online attendees.
WORKSHOPS
Workshops fill quickly, so be sure to book your place. MORE INFO HERE
1. Sep&Prep hands-on workshop
Ms Nosipho Sithole, QIAGEN
DURATION: 3 hours
2. TrueAllele workshop - Unlocking DNA profile interpretation for Africa
Dr Mark Perlin, CyberGenetics
DURATION: 3 hours
3. Rapid DNA Solutions - Because Every Minute Counts
Parmowtee Goodur, Thermo Fisher Scientific
DURATION: 3 hours
4. International humanitarian law and the protection of the dead in armed conflict
Adv Vaughn Rossouw
Legal Advisor, ICRC Central Tracing Agency, African Centre for Medicolegal Systems
DURATION: 3 hours
ACCOMMODATION
Preferential accommodation rates have been arranged for attendees at the
Protea Hotel Cape Town Mowbray, conveniently located near the event venue.
Bookings must be made directly with the hotel and not via third-party platforms. Reservations can be arranged by contacting the hotel’s Reservations Department at protea.mowbray@marriott.com, for the attention of Crystal Geduld, or by emailing Crystal Geduld directly at Crystal.Geduld@proteahotels.com. When making a booking, please indicate that you are attending the UCT event - The 6th African Forensic Forum, and request the UCT booking rate.
Important notice: In accordance with the amended Immigration Act, all guests are required to present valid proof of identification (a photo identity document or passport) upon check-in.
THANK YOU TO OUR VALUED SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS EVENT POSSIBLE
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