Posted on March 1, 2004 at 10:55 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — FBI forensics expert Bruce Budowle, Ph.D., will receive the 2004 Ireland Distinguished Visiting Scholar Prize. The prize is awarded annually by the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Budowle was one of the main architects of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) National DNA database, which collects and maintains DNA profiles from convicted felons, from evidence in unsolved cases and from missing persons. Most recently, he was an expert witness in the Laci Peterson case in California.

Budowle will present a public lecture, “Forensic Genetics Impacting on Social Issues,” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at the Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Avenue South. Budowle will discuss how advances in molecular biology have enabled forensic scientists to analyze myriad samples even under the most challenging conditions. He will give examples in which DNA evidence has been successful in resolving criminal cases and discuss the role of DNA databases. He also will examine questions concerning privacy and security as they relate to DNA databases.

Budowle joined the research unit of the FBI in 1983. Today he is senior scientist for the agency’s laboratory division.

During his lecture, Budowle also will discuss forensic applications on bioterrorism. Some of his most recent efforts have been in counter terrorism, such as the identification of victims of mass disasters and developing a microbial forensics program. He has been an advisor to New York state in efforts to identify victims of the World Trade Center attack, providing input on analytical methods, population genetics issues and kinship analysis.

Budowle has received several major awards, including the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service and the Paul L. Kirk Award, presented by the Criminalistics Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

As the UAB Ireland Distinguished Visiting Scholar, Budowle will visit the UAB campus March 15-17. The Ireland Award brings internationally renowned scholars in the arts and sciences to UAB to present a public lecture, attend a dinner in their honor and participate in campus activities. The prize is made possible through an endowment established by Caroline F. and Charles W. Ireland.