The inaugural Converged Forensic Summit 2026 is a multidisciplinary forensic summit presented by the Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University and the Marshall University Forensic Science Center. This summit brings together professionals across law enforcement, forensic science, digital forensics, crime scene response, legal, and education communities to advance investigative knowledge, strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration, and connect practitioners with the next generation of forensic professionals.

The 2026 theme, Converged Forensics: Stronger Cases Through Shared Science, brings together practitioners, researchers, students, law enforcement, and prosecutors to explore how DNA, digital, trace, toxicology, and firearms evidence converge into stronger cases and better outcomes — from the scene to the courtroom. Every discipline tells part of the story. This conference is where those disciplines meet.

This is a free event. Registration is required.

Event Overview

Converged Forensic Summit 2026 will feature panels, speakers, and workshops exploring how DNA, digital, trace, toxicology, crime scene, and firearms evidence work together to strengthen investigations and case outcomes — from the scene to the courtroom.

DNA & Biological Evidence

Illustration of a forensic scientist analyzing evidence at a laboratory workstation with a microscope, DNA visualization, digital data displays and sample vials representing forensic DNA testing and analysis.

Explore the role of DNA analysis, biological evidence, and forensic science in building stronger cases — from sample collection at the scene through laboratory analysis and courtroom presentation.

Digital Forensics & Electronic Evidence

Illustration of a digital case file connected to multiple types of forensic evidence, including fingerprints, DNA profiles, photographs, maps, digital devices, shoe impressions and trace evidence

Examine how digital evidence is recognized, collected, and preserved alongside physical and biological evidence, and how digital forensics tools and techniques support a unified investigative approach.

Trace Evidence & Toxicology

Illustration of a forensic laboratory featuring a microscope, fingerprint analysis, trace evidence, biological samples, test tubes and analytical instruments used to examine and identify physical evidence.

Discuss how trace evidence, toxicology, and firearms and toolmarks analysis contribute to building a complete evidentiary picture — and how these disciplines work alongside DNA and digital forensics in complex investigations.

Cross-Disciplinary Case Building

Highlight the legal requirements, chain-of-custody standards, and cross-disciplinary coordination that guide agencies from scene response through investigation, evidence admissibility, and courtroom proceedings.

Agenda Coming Soon

Presented by

Converged Forensic Summit 2026 brings together experts from intelligence, digital forensics, forensic sciences, forensic accounting, and investigative fields to explore emerging trends, innovative methodologies, and multidisciplinary approaches that strengthen modern investigative and forensic capabilities.

Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University

The Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University advances cybersecurity education, applied research, workforce development, and real-world cyber operations across West Virginia and the Appalachian region. For Converged Forensic Summit 2026, the Institute contributes expertise in digital forensics, incident response, cyber readiness, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen how organizations prepare for high-impact incidents and identify, preserve, and respond to digital evidence.

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Marshall University Forensic Science Center

The Marshall University Forensic Science Center is where scientific discovery meets public safety. As a nationally recognized leader in forensic science education, research, and service, the center brings expertise in DNA analysis, laboratory services, forensic training, and scientific support to Converged Forensic Summit 2026. This expertise strengthens the summit’s focus on evidence identification, victim identification, forensic readiness, and coordinated response after high-impact incidents.

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2026 THEME

Converged Forensics: Stronger Cases Through Shared Science

The 2026 theme, Converged Forensics: Stronger Cases Through Shared Science, brings together practitioners, researchers, students, law enforcement, and prosecutors to explore how cross-disciplinary collaboration strengthens investigations, improves case outcomes, and holds up under courtroom scrutiny. No case is solved by a single discipline — DNA, digital, trace, toxicology, crime scene, and firearms & toolmarks each tell part of the story, but it’s only when these disciplines converge that the full picture comes into focus. Whether you’re processing a scene, analyzing evidence, or building a case for trial, converged forensics is how modern investigations get it right.

Focus Areas

Converged Forensic Summit 2026 sessions may explore:

DNA & Biological Evidence
Digital Forensics & Electronic Evidence
Trace Evidence & Toxicology
Firearms, Ballistics & Toolmark Analysis
Crime Scene Investigation & Documentation
Evidence Collection, Handling & Chain of Custody
Forensic Laboratory Methods & Emerging Technologies
Victim Identification & Forensic Pathology
White Collar Crime & Forensic Accounting
Victim Advocacy & SANE/SART
Legal Considerations & Evidence Admissibility
Prosecution & Courtroom Application
Multi-Agency Coordination & Investigative Collaboration
Student & Career Pathways in Forensic Science

This theme reflects the growing need for multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative investigative practices, and advanced forensic capabilities to address evolving challenges across public, private, and government sectors.

Agenda Coming Soon

Registration

Registration for Converged Forensic Summit 2026 is coming soon.

This is a free event, but registration will be required. Additional registration details will be shared as they are finalized.

Lakan Sheets presents during a session at the Women and Tech Conference

Call for Presenters

Are you a practitioner, researcher, educator, or legal professional with expertise in forensic science, digital forensics, or a related field? We invite you to submit a proposal to present at the Converged Forensic Summit 2026. Sessions, panels, and workshops are open to professionals across all forensic disciplines.

Call for Presenters Form

File Downloads

Converged Forensic Summit 2026 Save the Date Flyer

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Contact

For questions about Converged Forensic Summit 2026, registration, or event details, please contact the Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University.

Contact ICS