Validation Essentials Series

Validation is central to ensuring forensic methods are scientifically robust, legally defensible, and fit for purpose. This five-part webinar series has been developed to guide practitioners through the full validation lifecycle—building understanding from foundational concepts through to implementation, interpretation, and ongoing quality assurance.

Each session focuses on a critical stage of validation, aligned with the ANZPAA NIFS Guideline for the Validation of Forensic Science Methods, and delivered by subject matter experts from across the forensic science community. Participants will gain practical insights into designing validation studies, selecting and applying performance parameters, analysing and interpreting data, and effectively communicating outcomes.

Across the series, attendees will explore both the technical and human factors that influence validation, with a strong emphasis on maintaining quality management systems and supporting reliable, evidence-based forensic practice.

What to expect

Who should attend

The series is suitable for forensic practitioners, technical specialists, and quality personnel seeking to strengthen their understanding of validation and its application in operational environments.

Episodes

E01

What’s All the Fuss About? Why Validation Matters More Than You Think

This webinar introduces the foundations of validation and verification in forensic science, explaining key concepts, stages, roles, and risks to ensure methods are scientifically robust, ethically sound, and legally defensible.

Presenter: Associate Professor Rachel Searston
Date: Thursday 30 July 2026
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm AEST

Registration open

 

E02

Performance Toolkit: Parameters that Define Your Method

This webinar builds understanding of performance parameters in forensic testing, including how to define them, navigate differing terminology, and apply the most appropriate parameters to specific methods.

 

Presenter: Dr Duncan Taylor
Date: Thursday 6 August 2026
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm AEST

Registration open

 

E03

Blueprinting Success: Designing the Validation Plan

This webinar equips you to design practical, scientifically robust validation plans by covering study design, sample size and statistical considerations, and the application of guidelines, acceptance criteria, and basic data analysis.

Presenter: Dr Stephanie Sommersby
Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm AEST

Registration open

 

E04

In the Trenches: Conducting Tests and Confronting Your Data

This webinar equips you to analyse and interpret validation data by covering statistical techniques, acceptance criteria, and how variability, bias, and uncertainty affect results.

Presenter: Dr Melissa Humphries
Date: Thursday 10 September 2026
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm AEST

Registration open

E05

Telling your Story and Keeping your Method Alive

This webinar builds practical skills in communicating validation findings and supporting ongoing monitoring. It covers validation reporting, peer review, when re-validation is required, and how the validation lifecycle supports robust, defensible forensic practice.

Presenters: Karina Muharam
Date: Thursday 24 September 2026
Time: 11.00am -12.00pm AEST

Registration open