Desert landscape with rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and distant mountains under a blue sky.

Humanitarian Forensics: A conference, workshop, and resource fair

Advocating for the Living, the Dead, and the Missing in Arizona and beyond

Now accepting submissions for the inaugural Humanitarian Forensics Conference

This participatory, community-oriented event brings together diverse members of academic and research institutions, community advocates and representatives, practitioners, concerned families and rights-based non-governmental organizations interested in dignity and justice for the missing, dead, and disappeared.

The submission portal is now closed. If you have submitted a proposal, you may expect a response no later than August 1. Official registration for the event will open by September 1—$10 for ASU students; $20 for all other attendees. If you have questions, please contact the organizers.

ASU students who are interested in participating in the conference can receive credit by registering for course SIF 499 for undergraduates and SIF 599 for graduates. See course catalog for more information.

Artwork of a woman and skeleton merging with a rose, colored background, and skull border.

"Dualities" by Martin Moreno (2003)—hear more about Martin Moreno and "Dualities"

Humanitarian Forensics Conference

Conference dates: October 16–17, 2026

Location: ASU West Valley campus

Registration: Opens no later than September 1, 2026

Who's invited: Anyone interested in dignity and justice for the missing, dead and disappeared.

More event details and event registration coming soon.

Event highlights

About the conference

This inaugural event of the ASU Humanitarian Forensics Hub is made possible by a generous Principled Innovation Grant from Barrett, The Honors College.

Consistent with ASU’s Charter, we aim to create an inclusive environment where all feel welcome. We recognize that the topics addressed in the conference may be difficult for some audiences. Emotional support will be available.

All attendees are asked to abide by the principle of “do no harm” and to refrain from including unnecessary or exploitative images of human remains in presentations.

Students and broader members of the community are especially encouraged to attend and participate in this event.

Steering committee

Tricia Redeker Hepner

Professor, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

[email protected]

Gabriella Soto

Associate Teaching Professor and Honors Faculty Fellow, Barrett Honors Faculty

[email protected]

Sherry Fox

Assistant Teaching Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Forensics

[email protected]

Sara Fatula

Instructor, School of Interdisciplinary Forensics

[email protected]

Student organizers:

Dante Umbriano and Chanetra Clark

This event is hosted by Humanitarian Forensics Hub at ASU in partnership with Barrett, The Honors College, and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, with support from the ASU Principled Innovation Program.