Workshop "Forensische Anthropologie in der Schweiz, Deutschland und Österreich – Herausforderungen und Chancen" 2024 in Hamburg
The Workshop took place at the Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and was kindly organized by PD Dr. Eilin Jopp-van Well.
On Friday, July 26, 2024, the workshop titled "Forensische Anthropologie in der Schweiz, Deutschland und Österreich – Herausforderungen und Chancen" was held at the Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) in Germany. The event was kindly organised by PD Dr. Eilin Jopp, PD Dr. Sandra Lösch and Assoc.-Prof. Fabian Kanz, who, as forensic anthropologists, also represented Germany, Switzerland and Austria. 28 participants, some of whom work in the field, travelled to the event to exchange ideas. In addition to students, employees of the BKA in Wiesbaden and the LKA in Berlin were also in attendance. As the topic was limited to German-speaking countries, we decided to hold the event in German.
The day commenced with a welcome speech by Prof. Benjamin Ondruschka, the director of the Institute of Legal Medicine, followed by a talk about the status quo of Forensic Anthropology in Austria by Prof. Fabian Kanz from the Institute of Legal Medicine in Vienna. Dr. Sandra Lösch from the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Bern then presented the state-of-research in Switzerland. These two presentations formed the basis for an engaging discussion, which continued during the coffee break. The host, Dr. Eilin Jopp-van Well, then presented the status quo of forensic anthropology in Germany, which was accompanied by another extensive discussion before the lunch break.
The participants then had the opportunity to present their work, including Dr. Grit Schüler, who spoke about the tasks at the LKA Berlin. Dr Svenja Weise from the University of Odense also provided insight into the status quo of forensic anthropology in Denmark.
At the end of the long and successful day, we were able to continue the fruitful discussions in the Restaurant ÜberQuell at the Landungsbrücken over a cold beer.
In conclusion, all participants discussed the professional requirements and work situation of Forensic Anthropology in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. We will try to summarise the outcome of the workshop.
Our next event is scheduled to take place in Berlin in two to four years' time. Dr. Grit Schüler from the BKA Berlin has kindly agreed to host the event.
The societies for anthropology SGA /SSA (SCNAT) and GfA/AGFA kindly supported the workshop. Students can apply for a travel grant from the aforementioned organisation.
Sandra Lösch, Department of Physical Anthropology, University of Bern