Bosnian scientist, dr. Nermin Sarajlic, has been awarded the Clyde Snow Award for outstanding contributions to humanitarian action and the global advancement of human rights through the use of forensic science, presented by the Forensic Sciences Foundation Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center (FSF HHRRC).

The award recognizes the pioneering contributions of forensic anthropologist Clyde Collins Snow (1928-2014) in the application of forensic science to human rights. Dr. Snow helped catalyze the development of forensic science to support human rights throughout Latin America and around the world. His career accomplishments present an extraordinary model for forensic scientists to reflect upon.

Many accomplished individuals and organizations were nominated last year for the Clyde Snow Award. All candidates were reviewed and ranked by the HHRRC International Advisory Council and Subcommittee Chairs.

The HHRRC said it was pleased to announce that Professor Nermin Sarajlic has been selected for the Clyde Snow Award.

“Professor Sarajlic is the Past Head of Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia, and the co-president of the Balkan Academy of Forensic Sciences. Trained as a forensic pathologist, his career and engagement in humanitarian forensics spans nearly three decades. He has been tirelessly involved in the identification and repatriation of over 30,000 missing persons from the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He works closely with the International Committee of Missing Persons (ICMP), participating in field recoveries of mass graves and human identification processes. Professor Sarajlic is an advocate of the “Right to the Truth” and a supporter of human rights. His years of experience in the field of forensics, but also in the Bosnian Missing Persons project, offers an unparalleled example of dedication and effort to the identification of Missing Persons resulting from armed conflict,” the HHRRC said.

Recipients of the Clyde Snow Award embody the spirit and far-reaching contributions made by Dr. Snow. The Award is also intended to stimulate the career development and minds of young forensic scientists. In addition, the Clyde Snow Award exemplifies the commitment of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences to the application of forensic science to help resolve important issues in the international and global domain.

Candidates for this award (individuals or organizations) are nominated by a member of the international forensic science community. Selection criteria focus on the sustained body of work in humanitarian forensic science. The Clyde Snow Award is not for any specific contribution in the forensic sciences, but is intended to recognize a sustained effort in the global application of forensic science to human rights investigations and/or humanitarian action.

The Clyde Snow Award will be presented to Dr. Sarajlic during the 2024 AAFS Annual Business Meeting in February.