STRmix schedules training workshops for forensic DNA analysts

STRmix will hold three user-training workshops for its probabilistic genotyping software and one early-adopter session for STRmix NGS in Richmond, California, and Hamilton, New Jersey, starting in July. The sessions come as the software’s use grows across forensic labs and as the company adds new reporting features in version 2.13. Why it matters: - STRmix training is aimed at forensic analysts who need to interpret complex mixed DNA profiles and explain results in court. - The workshops come as more laboratories use probabilistic genotyping software for violent crime, sexual assault and cold cases. - The company is also pushing early training for STRmix NGS as next-generation sequencing gains traction in forensic labs. What happened: - STRmix will offer a virtual user training workshop July 20-23. - The company will also hold in-person user training workshops Aug. 24-27 in Richmond, California, and Oct. 19-22 in Hamilton, New Jersey. - STRmix will hold an in-person STRmix NGS user training workshop Aug. 28 in Richmond, California. - The workshops are open to forensic biologists and other interested parties, including lawyers and scientific experts working for prosecution or defense teams. - Space is limited at each workshop. The details: - The STRmix user workshops will cover likelihood ratios, sampling uncertainty, an introduction to STRmix software and the biological models and mathematics behind the system. - The sessions include hands-on training so participants can use STRmix under instructor guidance. - Catherine McGovern, Training and Support Team Leader within the STRmix Team, said the workshops give attendees up-to-date instruction and real-time answers from experienced instructors. - McGovern said the training also gives participants time away from the bench to build a deeper understanding of probabilistic genotyping and prepare to interpret results in court. - All user-training workshops will use STRmix version 2.13. - Version 2.13 adds multiple PDF report templates for different report types. - Version 2.13 can automatically generate more than one report at a time for a given calculation. - The STRmix NGS workshop will use the latest Research & Validation version of STRmix NGS. - STRmix NGS is a continuous mixture interpretation and likelihood ratio generation tool for profiles generated using next-generation sequencing. - The NGS training is designed for labs already familiar with STRmix that are evaluating future use of NGS or massively parallel sequencing technology. - The NGS session will use worked exercises and include a detailed explanation of the biological models and mathematics behind the software. - The NGS workshop assumes attendees already know the operation and functions of modern STRmix versions. - Registration and more information are available through the company’s workshop listings and the company’s website . Between the lines: - STRmix is broadening training around both its core platform and a newer sequencing-based product, signaling an effort to support adoption across different stages of lab implementation. - The addition of reporting features in version 2.13 suggests the company is emphasizing workflow efficiency, not just interpretation capability. - Opening the workshops to legal and expert witnesses also reflects the courtroom role of DNA interpretation software, not just the lab side. What’s next: - STRmix says the workshops will continue as long as demand for training remains strong. - Labs interested in STRmix NGS appear to be the early target audience for the next wave of product training. - Limited seating means registration will determine who can attend the in-person sessions. The bottom line: - STRmix is using its 2026 workshop series to train both current users and early adopters as forensic DNA analysis moves toward more complex and more automated interpretation tools.