This year’s International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging (ISFRI) meeting joined forces with the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) for a combined conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, organized by Fabrice Dedouit (ISFRI) and Yanko Kolev (IAFS & ISFRI). It was a wonderful week of forensic imaging science, old and new friendships, and, as always, a good dose of Bulgarian hospitality.

Our team was well represented on the programme. Henri and Bernadette de Bakker delivered the Gil Brogdon Memorial Lecture, titled Reading between the lines: Imaging the Hyoid-Larynx Complex, a joint presentation combining decades of forensic radiology and embryological expertise, father and daughter, on the evolution of this complex neck structure. Jermo Hanemaaijer-van der Veer presented Unlocking unique opportunities for Biomedical Research through HiP-CT Imaging, on the possibilities that Hierarchical Phase-Contrast Tomography opens up for forensic and biomedical research through the Human Organ Atlas Hub. Sophie Visser presented her work on High resolution three-dimensional imaging and analysis of fetal skeletal development for forensic age estimation, developing growth curves and ossification references for the human fetus using micro-CT.

Beyond the science, the undisputed highlight of the week was the masquerade ball, a spectacular evening full of masks, dancing, and memories that will not soon be forgotten.

A big thank you to the organizers for putting together such a rich and memorable conference!