Nominations

Recognizing Excellence

ASCLD recognizes significant achievements within the forensic science community, honoring forensic scientists, students, and academicians for their contributions annually.  These awards and scholarships not only recognize individual and team achievements but also inspire continued progress and excellence in forensic science across the industry.

Briggs White Award

DR. BRIGGS J. WHITEBriggs White, former Director of the FBI laboratory, made it possible to bring forensic science laboratories together, helping to solidify the ASCLD organization. The Briggs White Award was established in his honor.

All ASCLD members are welcome to nominate present or past ASCLD members for this annual award. The nomination form asks for detailed information concerning the nominee’s career, publications, professional memberships, and contributions to forensic science (especially regarding management aspects).

The successful nominee is recognized during the annual symposium, where he/she receives a plaque. The name of the annual recipient is added to the actual award, which is traditionally kept on display at the ASCLD office, but may be distributed to the honoree to display at their facility for the next year.

To nominate someone for the Briggs White award, complete the application below and mail or email the completed application to the ASCLD office.

Nominations are due by JANUARY 31

ASCLD Scholarship Program

ASCLD awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in forensic science on an annual basis as approved by the Board of Directors. Scholarships are generally awarded in the amount of $1,000; however, the number and dollar amount of scholarships will be determined annually after the availability of funds is determined.

At least three ASCLD members from the Nominations and Awards Committee who are not affiliated with institutions from which students are applying will form a subcommittee to evaluate the pool of applicants. Their recommendations will be presented to the Board of Directors for approval.

Eligibility

Applicants must be a junior or senior in a baccalaureate program or a graduate student at an accredited university who is pursuing a degree in forensic science, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, or a natural science with a forensic science concentration. Applicants from FEPAC accredited programs and FRC LEAP participants will be given additional consideration. (As the scholarship program was created to provide opportunity to students intending to enter the forensic field, scholarships are not granted to current forensic science laboratory employees pursuing graduate degrees.)

Scholarship application submission deadline: All application sections are due JANUARY 31

Applications are reviewed and ranked according to the following criteria:

  • Overall scholastic record
  • Scholastic record in forensic science coursework
  • Content of research project(s)
  • Motivation and commitment to a forensic science career
  • Faculty/Academic advisor or ASCLD full member recommendation
  • FEPAC accredited program and/or FRC Leap participant

Ed Rhodes Scholarship

ASCLD receives 1 complimentary sitting per calendar year for any American Board of Criminalistics, Inc. (ABC) examination. This scholarship is in memory of Edward Rhodes, who was a pioneer in forensic education and certification. The complimentary sitting is for either an ASCLD member or someone in a member’s organization. ABC examinations are hosted at the AAFS Annual Scientific Meeting, as well as other locations and times throughout the year. The Scholarship does not include the application fee or the costs associated with attending the AAFS meeting or traveling to the test site.

Eligibility

Applicant must meet the minimum requirements for taking the ABC exam and the application must be endorsed by a current ASCLD member. Applications are reviewed and ranked based on financial need and employer’s requirements. This application is for ASCLD only. The ABC application for the examination must be filled out separately.

Scholarship application submission deadline:  The application for any examination in the following year is due NOVEMBER 30.

FRC Innovation Award

The goal of the Forensic Research Committee Innovation Award is to recognize activities highlighting new technologies, protocols, or tools that impact the operational forensic science laboratory.

The award is open to scientists from all disciplines in operational U.S. forensic laboratories (Bio/DNA, drug chemistry, toxicology, fingerprints, questioned documents, trace/microscopy, firearms/toolmarks, other) who have performed the highlighted work in the past two years.

The winner will be recognized during the awards reception at the ASCLD Annual Symposium. They will receive a plaque and an individualized electronic award icon for use on letterhead, reports, e-mail signatures, etc.

FRC LEAP Partnership Award

The goal of the Forensic Research Committee LEAP Award is to recognize an outstanding partnership between LEAP participating academic and operational forensic laboratories.

The award is open to scientists from all disciplines such as Bio/DNA, drug chemistry, toxicology, fingerprints, questioned documents, trace/microscopy, firearms/toolmarks, and digital/multimedia sciences in LEAP participating operational and academic forensic laboratories.

The winners will be recognized during the awards reception at the ASCLD Annual Symposium. They will receive a plaque and an individualized electronic award icon for use on letterhead, reports, e-mail signatures, etc.

FRC Outstanding Evaluation / Validation Award

The goal of the Forensic Research Committee Innovation Award is to recognize an outstanding evaluation/validation study that has been submitted to the FRC repository.

The award is open to scientists from all disciplines (bio/DNA, drug chemistry, toxicology, fingerprints, questioned documents, trace/microscopy, firearms/toolmarks, other) in operational forensic labs or research laboratories.

The winner will be recognized during the awards reception at the ASCLD Annual Symposium. They will receive a plaque and an individualized electronic award icon for use on letterhead, reports, e-mail signatures, etc.

Member of the Year

ASCLD Member of the Year Award recognizes members who have embodied the ASCLD Mission, have participated substantively in ASCLD activities, or have contributed to an ASCLD project or committee. Please consider taking time to nominate one of the many members we have who have made it possible for ASCLD to make a difference in our industry.

The nominations will be scored based on the member’s involvement with ASCLD activities, the member’s external representation of ASCLD initiatives, and the member’s overall impact to the Forensic Science profession for the year. From the nominations received, one member is recognized at the Annual Symposium Awards Banquet.

Nominations are due by JANUARY 31.