Interagency Workshop on the use of Next-Generation DNA Sequencing for Human Identification and Characterization

The DoD Forensic Working Group would like to convene a workshop to discuss the impact that rapidly advancing Next-Generation DNA sequencing technologies will have on Government Human ID and forensics applications, and develop a cooperative interagency development plan that will efficiently leverage limited S&T funding to accelerate research and development in this area. The workshop will include brief overviews of the current state of Next Gen DNA sequencing technologies, applications of DNA sequence analysis to human ID and forensics, time for each Government agency to review their anticipated needs and planned investments in this area, and an open discussion period to identify common interests, concerns, and priorities.

The anticipated output of this workshop is a draft set of clearly defined Government-wide needs and goals for Next-Generation DNA Sequencing applications for human ID and forensics that is grounded in understanding of interagency needs and the technical underpinnings of near-term sequencing capabilities. 

Common needs and goals within this set could provide opportunities for future cooperative interagency efforts to accelerate the development and application of this technology using a model similar to that used in current efforts to develop and field rapid DNA analysis prototypes based on STR analysis.