ATU's Dr Geraldine M. Dowling to Co-Chair international conference
2026 Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology Symposium takes place May 4-8
Best wishes to Dr Geraldine M. Dowling, Visiting Professor in Forensic Science at Kingston University and academic staff member at ATU, where she serves as Principal Investigator and forensic science educator and Co-Chair of the Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology Symposium 2026, which takes place online from May 4-8.
As an academic dedicated to advancing the field of forensic science, Dr Dowling, alongside the innovative team at Higher Education 4.0, are putting the finishing touches on a new MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) in Forensic Toxicology.
Geraldine explains: "This Irish higher education initiative aims to provide a comprehensive, accessible, and evolving free online resource for anyone interested in forensic toxicology, while also highlighting the importance of this discipline within forensic science.
“Designed to support both learning and professional development, we hope it will serve as an invaluable tool for those engaging with the dynamic field of forensic science, offering insights to newcomers and enthusiasts alike.”
The 2026 Current Trends Symposium will explore the theme “Forensic Toxicology – It’s a Small World After All”, addressing the growing interconnectedness of forensic professionals in a world shaped by open borders, the internet and constant access to information.
Topics covered during the five-day event include:
- Global Detection Trends
- NPS (New Psychoactive Substances)
- Advances in AI, Machine Learning & Technology
- Returning to Fundamentals
- Future Challenges & Directions
For the full programme and to register, visit: Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology Symposium 2026
ABOUT DR GERALDINE M. DOWLING
Dr Geraldine Dowling has over 20 years of professional experience in analytical/forensic toxicology, food safety testing, method validation, and quality assurance, and more than a decade of experience in academia.
Born and educated in Ireland, she holds a BSc (First Class Honours), an MSc in Analytical Toxicology, and a PhD in the same field and holds a Senior Fellowship from the UK Higher Education Academy. Since 2017, she has worked in academia in the west of Ireland, teaching on Ireland’s first Chartered Society of Forensic Science–accredited undergraduate forensic science programme and supervising MSc and PhD students and is a Principal Investigator. She has extensive experience working in ISO 17025–accredited government laboratories in Ireland.
Dr Dowling is the current elected Vice Chair (and former Treasurer until 2024) of the United Kingdom and Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists (UKIAFT), the professional body representing forensic toxicology professionals across England, Ireland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Channel Islands.
Higher Education 4.0 is funded by the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3.
