2020 Online Forensic Symposium: Current Trends in Forensics Toxicology

Scientific Program Chairs

Prof Simon Elliott

Prof Simon Elliott has over 20 years’ experience in forensic toxicology and is a Consultant Forensic Toxicologist, independent Business Consultant and Director of Elliott Forensic Consulting Ltd. He was previously the Director of Global Forensics at Alere Inc (now part of Abbott) (2017-2018) having also been the founder and Managing Director of Forensics Ltd (ROAR Forensics, subsequently Alere Forensics) in Malvern, Worcestershire, UK (2008-2017).

Prof Elliott previously worked as a Clinical Scientist in the NHS at Birmingham City Hospital for over 10 years specifically involved in clinical and forensic toxicology as Section Head of Forensic Toxicology. He is a Visiting Professor in Forensic Toxicology at King’s College London and holds a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Bath and a PhD in Biochemical Toxicology (studying GHB) from the University of Birmingham.

He is a Chartered Scientist and European Registered Toxicologist as well as being a member of a number of professional organisations including The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT, Board Member), the LTG, Chartered Society for Forensic Science, Association of Clinical Biochemistry and Royal Society of Chemistry in addition to being a founder and Chair of the UK & Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists (UKIAFT). An author of over 70 scientific publications, articles and book chapters, he is on the Editorial Board of Drug Testing & Analysis and Forensic Science International journals as well as being an Associate Editor of the Journal of Analytical Toxicology and an Editor of Wiley’s WIREs Forensic Science (Toxicology) and Clarke’s Analysis of Drugs and Poisons. Prof Elliott has presented at many national and international meetings (including invited speaker) as well as presenting expert evidence for many years in Coronial, Civil and Criminal Court. A member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, he also advises the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), especially regarding new psychoactive substances.

Dr. Nikolas P. Lemos, PhD, FRSC, F-ABFT, MCSFS

Dr. Lemos is a board-certified forensic toxicologist, academic and researcher who started his career researching alcohol and drug detection analysis in alternative biological specimens.

After getting awarded his doctorate in Forensic Medicine and Science (Analytical and Forensic Toxicology) from the University of Glasgow in Scotland, he worked as Senior Lecturer at London South Bank University where he helped develop a new undergraduate course in forensic science. He later moved to St George’s Hospital Medical School of the University of London to assume the position of Head of the Forensic Toxicology Service of its Analytical Unit where he supervised or co-supervised the research of numerous medical and graduate students who trained in the Analytical Unit.

In 2003, he became Chief Forensic Toxicologist and in 2005 Director of the Forensic Laboratory Division at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the City and County of San Francisco where he spearheaded that office’s ABFT accreditation.

He is actively engaged in various international professional organizations and is a Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Scientists, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology, and Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Dr. Lemos has consulted and testified in over 335 civil and criminal trials around the world. He has co-authored over 85 peer-reviewed papers, abstracts, and book chapters including the first ever study of Cannabinoids in Fingernails (JAT, May 1999) and the first ever study of Cannabinoids in Post-mortem Toxicology (JAT, September 2011). He has organized and hosted numerous professional scientific meetings in the USA and abroad including the 2011 Joint SOFT-TIAFT Meeting held in San Francisco with over 1,500 participants from 60 countries in attendance.

He has previously served as Science Editor of “Medicine, Science and the Law,” the Official Journal of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences, and he is the holder of many scholarships, research and equipment grants and awards.  In 2005, he was honoured with a Proclamation of Achievement by the 109^th Congress of the United States of America “for dedicating his life and career to community safety and social awareness.”

Course Details

Current Trends in Forensics & Forensic Toxicology Online Symposium features live access to leaders in their field speaking on compelling topics related to forensic science and forensic toxicology. There is NO REGISTRATION FEE AND NO TRAVEL COSTS. This is possible through the generous support of commercial sponsors and through individual donors and leaders within the forensic science industry who support open-source learning opportunities, regardless of financial means.

Given the high quality content of this event, the organizers have had the privilege of offering attendees continuing education credit for various different accrediting bodies. In addition to the presentations, this event features a week long scientific poster session and an expert panel discussion at the conclusion of each day. A symposium proceedings is published after the event containing all the slides, posters, and links to the recorded presentations.

• June 8th, 2020 – Day 1: Postmortem changes
• June 9th, 2020 – Day 2: Inter-individual variations and toxicology interpretation
• June 10th, 2020 – Day 3: Innovations in analysis
• June 11th, 2020 – Day 4: Challenges of cannabis and cannabinoids
• June 12th, 2020 – Day 5: Court testimony

Full Syllabus coming soon

Attendee Testimonials

“Thank you for providing this online format, excellent opportunity to attend training without leaving the lab!”

“Excellent way to obtain CE hours without the expense of travel and hotel costs!”

“I get access to forensic experts worldwide to learn how those in other countries are addressing the issues I am struggling with!”

“I was excited seeing so many people from all over the world attending this event!!! I have enjoyed it and hope for more events like this one!!”

“The information that was given was pertinent to my job. No travel was needed and it was free! Thank you.”

“I got to learn a lot about methodology used in the field. As a student, this is very valuable information.”

“Excellent way to obtain CE hours without the expense of travel and hotel costs.”

“Quick and easy – can get good info quickly without devoting a significant amount of time away from bench work.”

“Opportunity to obtain cost-effective and/or free training is essential and very appreciated!”

“Overall a great review of some material, great intro to new material, as well as practical applications.”