President's Message

April, 05 2009

Dear TIAFT member,

I hope you all are preparing to register for the Geneva meeting, if you haven't already. It promises to be another exciting TIAFT conference with sufficient social occasions to continue the best traditions of the Association.

The board met recently in Bangkok (March 3) and considered a number of issues affecting the Association. These included actions arising from the recent survey.

Key decisions arising from the board meeting included:

• Actions to improve the scientific content in the Bulletin;
• Instigation of a new "web" committee to support the web master Gianpaolo Brusini to redevelop the site including program changes to a) support the ability to apply to TIAFT on-line, b) the ability of members to update their contact information on-line, and c) the creation of a mass e-mailer to send information to all members;
• The board to develop a sponsorship program to support DCF travel funds, to allow DCF members to visit a laboratory for training purposes, to develop a text book program to support laboratories in developing countries, and to fund young scientist activities and awards; and
• Continue to promote regional/local toxicology meetings endorsed by TIAFT providing they do not interfere with the main annual meeting;

The position of Bulletin and case notes editor is currently advertised on the TIAFT home page following the retirement of Anya Pierce as Bulletin editor after the next edition. The Bulletin and Case notes editor will be responsible for enhancements to scientific content and would also assist in scientific content on the web.

The board approved 6 DCF travel grants for DCF members to attend the Geneva meeting. Applications are open, see the TIAFT home page for details. Applications are to the maximum value of USD 2,000 and close May 1. Applications are to be sent to the President.

The board also determined that DCF members will need to reapply for membership every 3 years. This decision was in light of a large increase in DCF members in the last few years and to ensure that once countries exceed the USD 15,000 GDP threshold DCF members in those countries will be required to pay the annual dues.

The board in conjunction with the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS) in Bangkok ran a 4-day seminar program. The local organizer was Lt Col Pol Ampika Leelapojanaporn who with the support of Department of Justice and the Thailand network of forensic toxicologists arranged a strong training program centered on the board members. Two workshops were also held on drug screening and quantification techniques. This was attended by about 80 toxicologists from around Thailand. The "network" also held a one-day forum to develop guidelines for forensic alcohol determination in the country. This guideline was supported by the board and will hopefully lead to other guidelines. Over 50 attendees became DCF members and Associate Professor Werawan Ruangyuttikarn became the inaugural regional representative for Thailand. The President would like to express his appreciation at the hospitality shown by the Thai hosts. The seminars and workshops were sponsored by the Thailand Department of Justice with the generous support of Agilent Technologies. Until the next message

Olaf
TIAFT President

Olaf H. Drummer PhD(med) ARCPA MRACI CChem
Head (Forensic & Scientific Services)
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
Adjunct Professor,
Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Monash University, 57-83 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, 3006, AUSTRALIA
e-mail: olaf@vifm.org