STRmix™ Virtual Full Workshop, 3-6 October 2022, MDT

The ongoing impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have required us to configure this STRmix™ full training workshop to be remotely delivered using the Zoom virtual meeting platform (https://zoom.us/(external link)).

Spaces are limited and filling up fast, so please download the registration form by clicking here [PDF, 73 KB], and then email it to rena.lawless@esr.cri.nz before 24 September 2022 to register your interest (1 form per participant).  This training is in the latest major version release of STRmix™, and is open for attendance by scientific experts that act for prosecution or defense legal teams. Attendance will be confirmed once minimum attendee numbers are met.

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 both 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 at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206175806#h_bd83fa44-e32f-47b6-8fd6-0e2d1eb6077b(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, and
  • displaying the same name they have registered with, to ensure smooth access to the training.
  • 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), with a companion text which describes in detail the mathematics and biology behind STRmix™, the database search and model maker functions
• the STRmix™ Operation Manual and STRmix™ Implementation and Validation guide (electronic PDF)
• a 2-month evaluation version of STRmix™
• electronic copies of training material (for download prior to the training)
• a certificate of attendance (after completion).

Online training modules:  Prior to the training, participants will be provided with online access to the following introductory training modules via the Talent LMS e-learning platform (https://www.talentlms.com/(external link)).  For best results, these must be completed prior to the training:

• Introduction to probability
• Population Genetics
• What is a likelihood ratio?

Supplementary training modules covering topics such as Population Genetic Models and the use of Replicates and Multi-kits will also be provided for a limited period via the same platform.

STRmix™ Evaluation version installation: This will be a remote installation of STRmix™ approximately a week before the start of the workshop.  A laptop is required during the workshop and the specifications are as follows:

Software specifications:

• Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
• MS Excel
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Zoom

Draft schedule (subject to minor changes):