ADVISORY/American Academy of Forensic Sciences 55th Annual Scientific Meeting.

Business Editors/Science Writers

ADVISORY...For Monday (Feb. 17)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 2003

WHAT:   American Academy of Forensic Sciences 55th Annual Scientific
        Meeting

WHEN:   February 17 - 22, 2003

WHERE:  Chicago, IL - the Hyatt Regency (151 Wacker Street)

As the premier conference for forensic science professionals, the AAFS 55th Annual Meeting is the forensic science industry's source for cutting-edge information. The AAFS, a professional society with more than 5,400 members around the world, is dedicated to the application of science to the law and is committed to the promotion of education and the elevation of accuracy, precision, and specificity in the forensic sciences. The AAFS consists of ten membership sections representing a wide range of forensic specialties, and the annual meeting gathers these professionals who present the most current information, research, and updates in this expanding field.

The theme of the 2003 Annual Scientific Meeting is "The Role of Forensic Science in the Investigation of Terrorism and Terrorist Acts." Most experts agree that the threat of terrorism will not diminish over the coming years, but may increase. Although forensic scientists are used to dealing with traumatic death and mass disasters, most are not used to dealing with, or even planning for, major chemical, biological or nuclear disasters.

The overall goals and objectives of the 55th Annual Scientific Meeting related to this theme are to provide opportunities for forensic scientists to present materials and to lead discussions and practical exercises in forensic science methods, procedures, diagnoses, investigations, professional relations and practices. More than 500 scientific papers, seminars, and workshops will be presented. Over 125 companies will be exhibiting at the AAFS tradeshow held in conjunction with the meeting. They will showcase their products and services to forensic science professionals around the world, including crime lab directors and technicians, engineers, dentists, lawyers, pathologists, physical anthropologists, psychiatrists, questioned document examiners, and toxicologists.

As a journalist, you may receive a complimentary meeting registration to attend the 55th Annual Meeting by showing your press pass at the AAFS registration desk. This will allow you access to all the scientific sessions as well as on the tradeshow floor.

Details about the Annual Meeting may be accessed at www.aafs.org; link to "Meetings."