Workshops
2026
10 – 18 August 2026
Introduction to Forensic Entomology and
immature stages of forensically important insects
Offering an insight into taxonomy of forensically important insects
joint workshop Goethe University (GU) and Univerzita Karlova (CU)
Jens Amendt, Krzysztof Szpila,
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Mandatory
31 August – 03 September 2026
Interpreting Non-Human Molecular Trace Evidence
Particularly to discriminate non-human from human DNA using bioinformatics
Nadia Pinto and Pedro Ferreira,
Porto, Portugal
Optional
Please find all the information on the Workshop Interpreting Non-Human Molecular Trace evidence from August 31- Sept 03 in Porto in the following link.
To register you have to use the following link that was especially created for the DCs in Natural Traces:
21 – 24 September 2026
Introduction to the Forensics of Mass Graves
Daniel Vanek and M. Alejandra Perotti
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Optional
Attention: NEW location
Due to the planned relocation of facilities at the Faculty Hospital Bulovka in August/September 2026, the workshop on forensic mass graves will be held at ESMA-EAAF (the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The workshop is tentatively scheduled for 21–24 September 2026. The fee is €400 per person. This includes coffee breaks and lunch, PPE (personal protective equipment), and consumables for the different practical activities.The workshop will run from 09:30 to 17:00 every day.
26 – 28 October 2026
Forensic Statistics, Evidence Linkage, and Bayesian Thinking
Daniel Ramos and Alicia Lozano Diez
Madrid, Spain
Mandatory
29 – 30 October 2026
Natural Traces Meeting
Madrid, Spain
2027
2027
Interdisciplinary Teamwork Training as Transferable Skills
Alejandra Perotti, Network Staff
Mandatory
finished workshops
28 April – 2 May 2025
Introduction to Developing Genetic Markers for Animal and Plant Traces
Molecular Resources in Non-Human Forensics: from Wildlife to eDNA
Daniel Vaněk, Balázs Egyed, Henk Braig,
Prague, Czech Republic
Optional
08 – 13 May 2025
Forensics of Bioterrorism
Henk Braig, Jens Amendt, Daniel Vaněk
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Optional
14 – 16 May 2025
Natural Traces Midterm Meeting
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
03 – 06 June 2025
Introduction to Forensic Microbiology and Mycology
On the Utility of Cadaveric Fungi in Crime Investigations
Mirca Zotti,
Genoa, Italy
Optional
09 – 13 June 2025
Introduction to Forensic Palynology
On the Forensic Utility of Pollen, including Identification of Pollen using the Reference Collection for Central Europe and the Mediterranean
Anna-Maria Mercuri,
Modena, Italy
Optional
Learn more
11 – 15 May 2026
Introduction to Diatoms of Forensic Importance
Offering an insight into taxonomy of forensically important diatoms
Atko Heinsalu,
Tallinn, Estonia
Optional
The workshop will not take place directly in Tallinn. It will be held at the Earth Science Center, within the Department of Geology in Särghauer. Accommodation and meals will be provided from May 12 to May 14. Please note that therefore no accommodation needs to be booked for the nights from 12–14 May 2026.
01 – 05 June 2026
Introduction to Forensic Acarology
Offering an insight into the biology of the Acari of forensic importance, how to collect acarological traces and taxonomic tools for identification
M. Alejandra Perotti and Marta Saloña-Bordas
Reading, UK
Optional
06 – 10 July 2026
Summer school in Forensic Botany and Mycology
Joint workshop University of Genova (UNIGE) and Modena (UNIMORE)
Anna-Maria Mercuri and Mirca Zotti
Modena, Italy
Optional