Keynote Speakers
IWBF 2026 will feature keynote talks by leading experts at the intersection of biometrics, forensics, security, and AI. Below you will find the confirmed keynotes. Additional speakers will be announced as they are confirmed.
Prof. Didier Meuwly
Keynote title: AI in Forensic Biometrics: the two sides of the medal
Abstract: to be announced soon.
Short bio: Didier shares his time between the Netherlands Forensic Institute, where he is a principal scientist and the University of Twente, where he holds the chair of forensic biometrics. He specialises in the probabilistic evaluation of biometric data, the validation of likelihood ratio models and in identity management. Didier has served in several international terrorist and war-crime case reviews on request of ICTY, STL, UN, UK and CH. He has (co-)authored more than 65 peer-reviewed publications in forensic science. He is an associate and guest editor of Forensic Science International, a member of the ENFSI RD standing committee and of the ISO Technical Committee 272.
Dr. John Howard
Keynote title: Fairness in Forensic Face Recognition: What We Get Wrong, Why It Happens, and How to Fix It
Abstract: to be announced soon.
Short bio: Dr. John Howard is a computer scientist specializing in the evaluation of artificial intelligence systems for bias and the impact of automated-system bias on human performance. He has served as principal investigator on numerous research and development efforts across industry and government, and is the former Chief Data Scientist at the U.S. Maryland Test Facility, a leading AI test and evaluation laboratory. He currently serves as editor of ISO/IEC 19795-10 and ISO/IEC 19795-6, the international standards for testing bias in biometric systems and evaluating the performance of deployed biometric technologies. Dr. Howard has acted as an expert witness in legal cases involving data-privacy regulations, patent disputes, and the forensic use of face recognition in the United States, and holds an academic appointment at Southern Methodist University’s AT&T Center.