Annual Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) 2019
The Conference
The 57th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) took place from September 2nd to 6th 2019, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham. This event brought together forensic toxicologists from around the globe to discuss advancements, challenges, and future directions in the field.
The conference featured a diverse program, including workshops, presentations, and panel discussions and facilitated the exchange of cutting-edge research and methodologies, fostering international collaboration among forensic toxicologists. It provided a platform for professionals to discuss emerging challenges, such as the detection of novel psychoactive substances and the integration of advanced analytical techniques into routine casework.
Conference Ambassador testimonial on the Impact and Legacy of TIAFT 2019
Dr Simon Elliott, Consultant Forensic Toxicologist is the founder and Director of Elliott Forensic Consulting Ltd & Toxicology UK Ltd. Utilising over 30 years’ experience in forensic toxicology as a practitioner, business leader, owner and global advisor, Elliott Forensic Consulting provides two distinct products: Forensic Toxicology and Business Consultancy. As the local host, he commented:
"As a longstanding member of TIAFT and now serving as President of TIAFT for the next three years, I can confidently say that the 2019 Annual Meeting in Birmingham was a landmark event both for our Association and for Birmingham. The conference provided an unparalleled platform for senior professionals and young scientists from around the globe to exchange knowledge, share cutting-edge developments, and address critical challenges in our field.
Birmingham proved to be an exceptional choice as a host city. Its rich industrial heritage and status as a thriving hub of innovation made it a fitting backdrop for an event of this scale. The city provided first-class facilities, a vibrant cultural scene, and opportunities to foster connections beyond the conference.
Birmingham’s proven connectivity to the World was reinforced by the number of participants in this conference, as the 2019 conference was the highest attended TIAFT conference in 40 years up to that date.
ICC Birmingham, the venue chosen to host the Conference, with its modern facilities, catered for all delegates wellbeing delivering a unique experience where scientific content and networking opportunities were constantly combined throughout the event.
For the Association, the meeting was pivotal in reinforcing our mission to advance forensic toxicology globally. The high-calibre presentations and workshops elevated the scientific standard of our profession. Equally important was the strong focus on collaboration, enabling professionals from 60 countries and diverse backgrounds to build lasting relationships. Another important moment of the conference was the delivery of a large poster area which gave a platform to young scientists in particular to showcase their work and to engage with senior scientists. This represented a unique moment for some, as it was their first presentation and supported their career development.
Looking back, the 2019 TIAFT Annual Meeting in Birmingham stands out where its legacy is evident in the ongoing collaborations and research initiatives that originated from interactions during the event. The discussions and knowledge shared have contributed to the evolution of forensic toxicology practices, particularly in areas like drug driving, the detection of "designer drugs", and themes like cognitive bias and metabolomics. It served as a pivotal event for the forensic toxicology community, promoting knowledge sharing and international cooperation. Its impact continues to influence the field, underscoring the importance of such gatherings in advancing forensic science.”
Dr. Simon Elliott
Consultant Forensic Toxicologist & TIAFT President