Events
Society of Forensic Toxicologists, Inc. (SOFT) and The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) Joint Meeting 2026
Date
September 19, 2026 04:00am - September 25, 2026 03:59am
US/Central
Location
Hilton Chicago
720 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
United States
This year, SOFT and TIAFT join together in the iconic city of Chicago! Join colleagues from around the world for a global celebration of forensic toxicology, innovation, and collaboration.
Science on the Skyline
Chicago sets the stage for an unforgettable experience:
- Concurrent Sessions with International Perspectives
- Hands-on Workshops, Cutting-edge Research, and Expert Panels
- Expanded Networking in a World-class City
Explore the culture, cuisine, and character of Chicago while connecting with toxicologists from across the globe!
Visit RTI at Booth 518 to learn about our proficiency testing programs as well as the design, preparation, and distribution of reference materials and quality assurance samples for clinical and forensic drug testing laboratories. Talk to us about the NLCP expansion to international laboratories and subscribe to the NLCP Drug Testing Matters newsletter.
Learn more about the National Laboratory Certification Program
Jeri Ropero Miller, PhD, F-ABFT, 2026 SOFT President
Jeri Ropero-Miller appointed to president of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists
Jeri is a board-certified Forensic Toxicologist with Fellow status in the American Board of Forensic Toxicology. She has more than 25 years of experience conducting forensic toxicology, drug surveillance and hair drug-testing studies. She has led major initiatives focused on laboratory efficiency, technology evaluation, forensic databases, and professional development in the criminal justice system.
“I am honored to serve SOFT’s tight-knit family-oriented profession of scientists, educators, and professionals who dedicate their expertise to advancing forensic toxicology, public safety and public health.”
-Jeri Ropero-Miller
Sessions and Presentations
Join RTI staff throughout the conference to learn about our research and specialized services.
How to Detect Drug Test Subversion Attempts in Urine, Hair and Oral Fluid
Date & Time: Monday, September 21, 2026 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Continental A
Co-chair: Svante Vikingsson
Speakers: Svante Vikingsson and Lauren Fox
Oral Fluid Testing: Lessons and Trends from Workplace and Clinical Drug Testing
Date & Time: Monday, September 21, 2026 | 1:30-5:30 pm
Location: Continental B
Co-chair and Speaker: Svante Vikingsson
An Evaluation of Low Benzoylecgonine Concentrations in Urine
An Oral Presentation by Lauren Johann
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 22 | 8:30 – 8:40AM
Location: International South Ballroom
Authors: Lauren Johann, Gabrielle DiEmma, Katherine Bollinger, Lisa S Davis, Eugene D Hayes, Ruth E Winecker, Svante Vikingsson
National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) Workshop
September 19, 2026
2pm – 6pm Central
RTI conducts the annual NLCP Workshop for Inspectors and Laboratory Directors, by invitation only, to update trained inspectors and HHS-certified laboratory personnel on activities within the program, changes in NLCP policies and to present information on other topics relevant to federally regulated drug testing workplace programs.
Visit NLCP or contact nlcp@rti.org for more information.
Strategic Prevention and Reduction of Drug Misuse Using Knowledge Graphs (SPAR-KG): A Knowledge Graph Dashboard for Detecting Emerging Drug Trends in Social Media – P-133
Date & Time : Tuesday, September 22 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location: Salon Lobby
Authors: Lynn Wagner, Erin Wilfong, Jenifer Scancella, Srikar Reddy Gadusu, Ruth Winecker, Svante Vikingsson, Lisa Davis, Eugene Hayes, Charles Pickens, William Hsu, Hande McGinty
Multimodal Bayesian Retrieval of Obscured Drug-Related Content for Forensic Informatics and Clinical Toxicology – O-099
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 23 | 8:20 – 8:30 AM
Location: International South Ballroom
Authors: Hande McGinty, Srikar Reddy Gadusu, Yihong Theis, Maria Baloch, Lynn Wagner, Erin Wilfong, Jenifer Scancella, Ruth Winecker, Svante Vikingsson, Lisa Davis, Eugene Hayes, William Hsu
Behavioral Patterns and Social Media Explorations for Toxicology using Neurosymbolic AI Approaches: A Case Study for Drug Misuse – O-123
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 23 |11:20 – 11:30 AM
Location: International South Ballroom
Authors: Patrick Hancock, Maria Baloch, Lynn Wagner, Erin Wilfong, Jenifer Scancella, Ruth Winecker, Svante Vikingsson, Lisa Davis, Eugene Hayes, Charles Pickens, Hande McGinty
Oral Fluid Test Results After Acute And Chronic Dosing Of A Topical Hemp Product In Uncontrolled And Controlled Settings – O-132
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 23 | 2:20 – 2:40 PM
Location: International North Ballroom
Authors: Halle Thomas, Elizabeth Wilkerson, Destiny White, Austin Zamarripa, Edward Cone, Ruth Winecker, Svante Vikingsson, Ronald Flegel, Eugene Hayes, Lisa Davis, David Kuntz, Ryan Vandrey, & Tory Spindle
Δ8-THC in the Marketplace and the Laboratory: Δ8-THC Product Labeling Accuracy and Standard Urinary Drug Testing – O-167
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 23 | 5:10 – 5:20 PM
Location: International South Ballroom
Authors: Lakshmi Kumar, Ashley Dowd, Harrison J Elder, C Austin Zamarripa, Tory R Spindle, Edward J Cone, Ruth E Winecker, Svante Vikingsson, David Kuntz, Ryan Vandrey
