For nearly 50 years, the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) has experienced tremendous growth in terms of participation and diversity of topics and perspectives. To strive for success and sustainability, the Association must review its position and formulate strategy with regard to the scientific contents of its meetings. Following the questioning on the admissibility of scientific evidence and the call for the validation of forensic methods, forensic science is probably facing one of the most serious challenges in its history. On the other hand, recent incidents of immense seriousness have given rise to increasing demands for such services as counterterrorism and mass disaster victim identification. The purpose and function of IAFS as the only worldwide association aimed at developing the forensic sciences and assisting forensic practitioners to exchange scientific and technical information are becoming even more important in the light of these incidents.

In view of the pressing need for an international arena for discussing prominent issues of great concern to professionals of forensic sciences, The International Forensic Summit (TIFS) was inaugurated as a special program of the 17th IAFS Meeting. It was aimed at providing opportunities for leaders of the profession to gather together, identify and discuss forensic issues in the various continental plates and to produce a plan for international collaboration and a quality future. Designated to be a management forum, the one-day program started with presentations on selected topics, supplemented by questions and answers in a panel format. Panelists comprised eminent forensic practitioners and senior members of relevant professional bodies, international organizations, forensic institutions, educational establishments, and forensic service providers from all over the world.

The Summit comprised 3 sessions. The first session, entitled “Forensic Issues Around the World” was devoted to discussions on issues of importance in various parts of the world and the way forward to tackle them. “Positioning for a Quality Future” was the theme of the second session, encompassing topics on research, education/training, databases, certification/registration, and quality services. The third session with the title “Future International Partnerships and Collaborations” discussed plans for future international partnership and cooperation.

TIFS was so successful that it will continue to be organized in the next IAFS meeting.