Croatian Forensic Science Represented Among Leading International Forensic Institutions in Antalya

The 21st International Forensic Days, organised by the Council of Forensic Medicine of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Türkiye, were held in Antalya from 21 to 27 September 2026, bringing together leading experts and institutions from across the international forensic community.

PHOTO: Forensic Science Centre “Ivan Vučetić”

The scale and international reach of this year’s conference were reflected in the participation of approximately 1,150 delegates from Türkiye and 40 other countries across five continents. Around 175 speakers, panellists and session chairs contributed to the scientific programme, including numerous internationally recognised experts in forensic medicine and forensic science.

The importance of the event was also reflected in the distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony, including Muhsin Şentürk, Chief Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation of the Republic of Türkiye; Ahmet Ömeroğlu, President of the General Criminal Assembly of the Court of Cassation; Sedat Ayyıldız, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Türkiye; Dr Hızır Aslıyüksek, President of the Council of Forensic Medicine; Hulusi Şahin, Governor of Antalya; Fatih Kocaman, Chief Public Prosecutor of Antalya; and Prof. Dr Özlenen Özkan, Rector of Akdeniz University, together with senior representatives of the judiciary, academia and international forensic organisations.

The opening addresses emphasised the importance of scientifically reliable forensic findings for the effective functioning of the justice system, as well as the growing need to strengthen the links between science, emerging technologies and law. Particular attention was given to the challenges arising from the rapid development of artificial intelligence, digital evidence and new forensic analytical methods.

Across the seven-day programme, 28 thematic sessions covered a broad range of current topics, including forensic genetics, toxicology, pathology, digital forensics, forensic document and handwriting examination, disaster victim identification, human rights, and the application of new technologies and artificial intelligence in forensic science.

The international standing of the conference was further demonstrated by the participation of the leaders of several prominent global and regional forensic organisations: Dr James Caruso, President of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS); Prof. Dr Yanko G. Kolev, President of the Balkan Academy of Forensic Sciences (BAFS); Prof. Dr Antonel Olckers, President of the African Forensic Sciences Academy (AFSA); and Prof. Dr Dina A. Shokry, President of the New Mediterranean Academy of Forensic Sciences (nMAFS).

Bringing together leading representatives of forensic organisations from Europe, the United States, Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean region provided an important platform for exchanging scientific knowledge, professional expertise and good practices, while further strengthening international cooperation in forensic science.

At the invitation of the organisers, Dr Andrea Ledić, Head of the Forensic Science Centre “Ivan Vučetić” and member of the Board of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), participated in the conference as a Guest Speaker.

During the session dedicated to forensic document and handwriting examination, Dr Ledić delivered the presentation “Forensic Analysis of Dominant vs. Non-Dominant Handwriting: Statistical and Machine Learning Insights”, presenting the results of scientific research comparing handwriting produced with the dominant and non-dominant hand. Particular emphasis was placed on the potential of statistical methods and machine learning to enhance objectivity and support the further development of forensic handwriting examination.

The session also brought together internationally recognised experts in forensic document and handwriting examination, including Assoc. Prof. Dr Tomasz Dziedzic, with the growing application of artificial intelligence in forensic examination emerging as one of the key topics of discussion.

Another highlight of this year’s conference was a series of presentations by leading international forensic experts addressing the challenges of contemporary forensic science in real-world investigative and crisis situations. Dr James Caruso, President of the AAFS, delivered presentations on forensic investigations of aviation disasters and on the role of forensic pathologists in deaths associated with armed conflict. Other presentations addressed disaster victim identification, international cooperation, the protection of human rights, advances in forensic genetics, digital transformation, and the opportunities offered by modern technologies and artificial intelligence.

The participation of the Forensic Science Centre “Ivan Vučetić” in this major international event further demonstrates the Centre’s active role within the European and global forensic community. Dr Ledić’s participation as both a Guest Speaker and an ENFSI Board member also provided an opportunity to present Croatian forensic science, the Centre’s professional and scientific achievements, and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia to leading representatives of the international forensic community.

Active participation in ENFSI, together with cooperation with leading forensic institutions and academies worldwide, supports the continuous exchange of knowledge and expertise, access to the latest scientific and technological developments, and the further advancement of the quality of forensic examinations in the Republic of Croatia.

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