Improving Methods Using Machine Learning and Databases in Forensic Anthropology

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

Part I: GeoFOR is a free web-based collaborative forensic taphonomic application and database that utilizes geospatial technology and machine learning to deliver data-driven postmortem interval estimations to better facilitate identification and reconstruct events around the time of death. This presentation describes the geoFOR application and its potential for advancing the field of forensic science.

Part II: The Forensic Anthropology Skeletal Trauma (FAST) database is a publicly available resource, which provides trauma analysis data for education, training, and case comparison applications. This presentation provides an introduction and overview of the FAST database.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on December 5, 2023.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YULOt7onT0

Solving Violent Crime Through Lawfully Owed DNA: Outcomes of Efforts to Address Missed DNA Samples

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This presentation explores the issue of lawfully “owed” DNA, which is a DNA sample from a qualifying offender who should have their DNA sample in CODIS (based on applicable state law), but from whom a sample has never been collected or submitted to a lab for testing. As the first jurisdiction funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative to address lawfully owed DNA, this presentation provides information on the scope of the problem in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland, OH), the process by which individuals who owe were identified, the outcomes of these efforts, the lessons learned and recommendations for other jurisdictions.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 11, 2023.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKZlV0zwjTE

UK Access to British Sign Language – Women and Equalities Committee

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

Senior representatives from the BSL Advisory Board and the British Deaf Association will appear before the cross-party committee of MPs and sign their evidence, which will be spoken by interpreters.

During the session, the Women and Equalities Committee will explore progress towards greater access to British Sign Language following the British Sign Language Act 2022. The Act recognises BSL as a language of Great Britain, places duties on government departments to promote and facilitate its use and requires the Work and Pensions Secretary to issue guidance to departments and report regularly.

The session is likely to cover broader issues of concern to the Deaf community, as well as access to BSL in Parliament, BSL education, the potential impacts of AI on BSL and funding for Deaf sports and Deaflympians.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jal7Dbblliw

Maintaining a Positive Quality Culture during Change

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This webinar shares insight into why it is important to have a positive quality culture within a laboratory. Attendees see how establishing a culture where the proactive pursuit of quality is a positive for a laboratory. When actively pursuing quality, staff will help management navigate and be successful during the time of change. The presentation discusses how change, whether small or large, can be perceived and affect employees differently, and will provide some strategies on how to mitigate the effect change could have on their employees.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on January 24, 2023.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCxJVr33JP8

The State of Standard Development & Tools for Assessing and Implementing Standards

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This webinar introduces attendees to the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) Registry of Standards, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) on Forensic Science, and the Academy Standards Board (ASB). Attendees learn about forensic science standard development in the national and international space as well as standard implementation tools provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on January 17, 2023.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2VWMe-gzo8

“We can and must work together to make the world a better place for all” – UN Chief| United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Remarks by Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the 1st plenary meeting of the 80th session of the General Assembly.

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Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated on Baerbock’s election — which holds added significance as she became only the fifth woman in history to be elected to this important role.

Addressing the General Assembly, Guterres said, “The United Nations provides the place. The Charter provides the tools. And the Pact for the Future, adopted last September, provided a shot in the arm for the multilateral system and the values that have defined this organization from day one.”

“The Pact reminds us that, eight decades on, we can and must continue rising above division and working together. To make our world a better, more peaceful and prosperous place for all,” he added.

The Secretary-General called on all Member States to “summon the same resolve and spirit of determination that brought delegates to San Francisco in 1945.”

“Let’s live up to their vision — and most importantly, to the expectations and hopes of today’s people around the world,” he concluded.

The debate of the 80th session will open on Tuesday, 23 September, continue through Saturday, 27 September, and conclude on Monday, 29 September 2025.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIgKhjE7Awc

UK 🔴 LIVE: Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 10 September 2025

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

X: https://www.x.com/HouseofCommons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDbWXewItn8