This STRmix™ full training workshop will be remotely delivered using the Zoom virtual meeting platform (https://zoom.us/(external link)).

Spaces are limited, so please download the registration form by clicking here [PDF, 53 KB] then email it to rena.lawless@esr.cri.nz as soon as possible to secure your place (1 form per participant).  Please note: our workshops tend to become fully booked 4-6 months in advance.

This training is in the latest major version release of STRmix™.  Whilst forensic biologist focussed, it is open for attendance by other interested parties including lawyers or scientific experts that act for prosecution or defense legal teams.

General meeting instructions:  Please note the following requirements for participation in this remotely delivered STRmix™ 4-day training workshop:

  • Participants are responsible for provision of a PC and internet (broadband) connection that is capable of receiving and transmitting uninterrupted audio and video via Zoom meetings. It is strongly recommended participants join via a download of Zoom. You can test your internet connection by joining a test meeting at https://zoom.us/test(external link).  Further information about how to join a Zoom meeting can be found here(external link).
  • Confirmed participants will be provided shortly beforehand with a Zoom meeting invite for this training comprising a Zoom meeting ID and password. This must not be shared with non-participants.
  • Participants are requested to join the Zoom meeting promptly as follows:
    • with microphone muted,
    • displaying the same name they have registered with, and
    • from the same PC they will be using to run STRmix™ during the training.
  • It is a requirement that participants join Zoom for this training via computer audio and video (not via telephone).  Whilst not essential, using a multi-screen configuration is recommended.

Workshop price: $US 2,000 per participant

Overview:  This workshop will provide participants with extensive and full STRmix™ user training, covering likelihood ratios and sampling uncertainty, introduction to STRmix™, and a detailed description of the molecular models and mathematics on which STRmix™ is based.  Also included are ample “hands on” sessions to allow participants to use and familiarise themselves with STRmix™ under the guidance of the instructors.

 Participants will also receive:

  • the STRmix™ User’s manual (electronic PDF)
  • the STRmix™ Operation Manual and STRmix™ Implementation and Validation guide (electronic PDF)
  • a 2-month evaluation version of STRmix™
  • electronic copies of training materials (for download prior to the training)
  • a certificate of attendance (after completion).

Online training modules:  Approximately two weeks prior to the training, participants will be provided with online access to training modules via the Talent LMS e-learning platform (https://www.talentlms.com/(external link)).  For best results, please complete these prior to the training.

STRmix™ Evaluation version installation: This will be a remote installation of STRmix™ approximately two weeks before the start of the workshop. 

Computer specifications: A laptop or PC is required during the workshop and we recommend it meets the ‘medium’ specifications listed here(external link) as well as having access to the following software:

  • MS Excel
  • A PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat
  • Zoom

Draft timetable (subject to minor change)

Time

≤3 weeks prior

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

1000 - 1015

Self-directed e-learning modules

1. Course introduction

Day 1 review

Day 2 review

Day 3 review

1015 - 1030

Please complete these modules at your own pace, prior to the commencement of Day 1

[indicative hours to complete]

2. Continuous models: Why move?

7. Exercise: The MCMC game

 11. Overview of STRmix™ LRs

15. STRmix™ Intelligence Tools. EXERCISE: Database search

1030 - 1045

1045 - 1100

3. Introduction to STRmix™

1100 - 1115

 - Test my STRmix™ set up [0.25]

1115 - 1130

 - Population Genetic Models [0.5]

Break

Break

1130 - 1145

 - Setting propositions and reporting the LR [1hr]

4. The biological model (DAT)

Break

Break

14b. EXERCISE: Moot Court

1145 - 1200

 - Understanding LRs [2.5hrs]

8. Assigning the number of contributors

12. EXERCISE: NIST MIX13

1200 - 1215

 - Variability in the LR [1.5hrs]

1215 - 1230

 - Replicates and Multi-kits [1hr]

1230 - 1315

 

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

1315 - 1330

5. Exercise: Single-source and mixture examples

9. Exercise: Number of contributors

12. EXERCISE: NIST MIX13 continued

16. EXERCISE: Casework examples

1330 - 1345

1345 - 1400

1400 - 1415

10. STRmix™ output and run diagnostics

1415 - 1430

1430 - 1445

Break

Break

1445 - 1500

Break

13.  STRmix™ Developmental Validation

17. Workflows

1500 - 1515

6. Profile building and locus weights

Break

1515 - 1530

10. Continued and EXERCISE: Diagnostics & troubleshooting

18. Implementation & Validation

1530 - 1545

1545- 1600

14a.  EXERCISE: Moot Court

1600 - 1615

1615 - 1630

19. Wrap-up & Close

1630+

Day 1 close

Day 2 close

Day 3 close

 

 

 

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