Non-Human Forensic Genetics: Interpreting Molecular Trace Evidence | 1^st edition

31 August - 3 September 2026 | i3S, Porto, Portugal

This introductory 4-day mostly hands-on workshop provides an initiation to non-human forensic genetics, exploring the field from molecular trace evidence analysis - such as degraded samples, mixtures, and traces of animal, plant, or microbial DNA - to advanced metagenomic profiling of microbial communities. Participants gain practical skills and tools to analyze genetic traces effectively, preparing them to address real-world challenges in forensic genetics contexts.

Target audience: Forensic scientists, geneticists, biologists, and bioinformaticians interested in non-human DNA analysis. Professionals from labs, law enforcement, ecology, and food safety seeking introductory hands-on training. PhD students, researchers, and practitioners in genetics or molecular biology expanding into forensics.

Requirements: Basic knowledge of biology or genetics is recommended. Participants should bring a laptop for practical sessions, with at least 8 GB RAM, an updated operating system (Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, or Linux), Wi?Fi connectivity, and permission to install software. Familiarity with command-line interfaces (e.g., Linux terminal commands) is required for the eDNA workshop. Prior experience with bioinformatics tools and software is recommended.

Course duration: 26 hours

Certificate: A certificate of attendance will be assigned to participants who attend at least 80% of the workshop.

Format: In person course

Language: English

Course organizers: Nádia Pinto, i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, and Pedro G. Ferreira, Computer Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto

Poster >>

The workshop will be held at i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto.
Rua Alfredo Allen, 208; 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
Tel: +351 226 074 900 | E-mail: events@i3s.up.pt
GPS coordinates: 41º 10’ 30.008’’ N, 8º 36’ 12.488’’ W.

Day 1 | 31 August, 09h - 17h

“Non-Human Forensic Genetics: Methodologies, Applications, Exceptions, and Case Studies”, by Nádia Pinto, i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Portugal, and Henk Braig, National University of San Juan (UNSJ), San Juan, Argentina

- Foundations and scope
- Methodologies
- Interpretation
- Exceptions and pitfalls
- Case studies

Day 2 | 1 September, 09h - 17h

“Molecular Identification of Non-Human Biological Evidence: A Comprehensive Workflow” (hands-on) by Filipe Pereira, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Portugal

- DNA-based biological identification: core concepts and laboratory workflow.
- Sequence analysis software: installation and use of Geneious, plus curation, quality control, alignment, phylogenetic inference, and database searches (BLAST, BOLD).
- Practical examples: real case studies, data interpretation, and reporting.

Day 3 | 2 September, 09h - 17h

“Introduction to Biological Sequence Databases” (hands-on) by Pedro G. Ferreira, Computer Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Portugal

- Sequence formats, metadata, and database types.
- How sequences are organized, annotated, linked, and retrieved.
- Quality assessment, common pitfalls, and applications in non-human forensic genetics and metagenomics.

“Introduction to Metagenomic Data Analysis: From Raw Sequencing Reads to Microbial Profiles” (hands-on), by Eran Elhaik, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden

- Introduction to Metagenomics and Microbiome Research.
- Understanding Sequencing Data.
- Quality Control and Data Cleaning.

Day 4 | 3 September, 09h - 17h

“Introduction to Metagenomic Data Analysis: From Raw Sequencing Reads to Microbial Profiles” - continuation, by Eran Elhaik, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden

- Preparing Reads for Analysis
- Microbial Identification and Classification
- Amplicon Analysis and Microbial Community Profiles

Henk Braig, National University of San Juan (UNSJ), San Juan, Argentina

Eran Elhaik, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden

Pedro G. Ferreira, Computer Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Portugal

Filipe Pereira, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Portugal

Nádia Pinto, i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Portugal

Limited number of participants.

Fees:

Note that the registration fee does not include coffee breaks or lunches.

Registration form >>


Cancelation policy:

The i3S will apply the following cancelation policy.

Cancellation by the course participant

In case a registered participant wishes to cancel a payed registration or does not attend the course, the registration fee will not be refunded.

Substitutions will only be made in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the course organisers.

Cancellation by the Institution

The i3S reserves the right to cancel the course, in case of an insufficient number of participants, organizational reasons, or other unforeseeable events that render the execution of the course impossible. In case of cancelation by the organization the fee will be refunded.

In addition, i3S reserves the right to amend course times, dates or published prices if absolutely necessary. The organizer shall immediately inform the pre-registered participants of these alterations. Any cancellation or substitution requests should be requested by e-mail.