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Betty Layne DesPortes, JD, MS, 2017-18 AAFS President, sets forth her meeting theme “Science Matters” with initiatives to the membership, which include a continued focus on research, fostering the research culture in forensic science, and expanding and integrating forensic science research within the broader scientific community. Three areas cited of work performed by the Academy to highlight during her term: The Forensic Sciences Foundation, which gives grants and scholarships to students and educators; the Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center, which is involved with providing forensic assistance globally where necessary; and the AAFS Academy Standards Board, which is developing standards to improve the quality and reliability of forensic science evidence that is used in court. Ms. DesPortes also plans to improve communication between the forensic science community and the justice system to provide a better understanding of science-based evidence, which can empower the court system to better use science to reach the truth.
