MNLU Mumbai To Host Global Conference On 'Sky Forensics': Investigating Crimes And Catastrophes In Air and Space

About the Conference

With the rapid expansion of civil aviation, space exploration, satellite technologies, drones, and commercial space travel, incidents involving crimes, accidents, and catastrophic failures in air and space domains have significantly increased in complexity. Traditional forensic frameworks are often inadequate to address evidentiary, jurisdictional, technological, and legal challenges arising from such incidents.

“Sky Forensics” seeks to establish an academic platform to examine how forensic science, law, technology, and policy intersect in the investigation of aerial and space-related crimes and disasters. The conference aims to foster dialogue between legal scholars, forensic scientists, aviation experts, space law specialists, investigators, and policymakers.

Theme

Forensic Investigation of Crimes and Catastrophes in Air and Space

Indicative Sub-Themes

Space

• Space accidents, satellite failures, space debris and liability regimes
• Role of international conventions (Chicago Convention, Outer Space Treaty, etc.)
• Use of AI in detection of outer space mishaps
• Break-Up Events in Orbit: Forensic Reconstruction
• Launch Failure Investigations: Technical and Legal Aspects
• Environmental Forensics in Outer Space
• Establishing Space Forensics as a Discipline for the world
• Contractual Disputes and Space Forensic Audits

Aviation

• Forensics of aircraft sabotage and terrorism
• Aviation accident investigation and forensic reconstruction
• Human factors, cockpit voice recorders, and digital evidence
• Wreckage Examination and Reconstruction Techniques
• Mid-Air Collision Forensics
• Runway Excursion and Overrun Investigations
• Cyber Forensics in Aviation Accidents
• Sustainable Aviation Fuels and New Forensic Challenges

Drones

• Drone forensics and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crimes
• Crash-site examination and reconstruction of drone incidents
• Spoofing, hijacking, and signal interference: forensic indicators
• Chain of Custody Issues in Seized Drone Evidence
• Use of Drones in Smuggling and Border Crimes: Forensic Challenges
• Policymaking on cross-border drones
• Satellite and ADS-B Data in Aviation Investigations

Eligibility

Participation is open to:

• Academicians and Researchers
• Forensic Science Professionals
• Aviation and Aerospace Experts
• Legal practitioners and Judges
• Investigating Officers and Regulators
• Research scholars and students

Submission Guidelines

• Abstract should not exceed 350 words
• Must indicate the theme of the proposed research with relevant keywords
• Must be accompanied by a cover page including author details
• Co-authorship is permitted (maximum two authors)
• In case of co-authorship, either of the authors should submit the abstract
• Citations must follow APA style
• Selected papers shall be published in an edited book with ISBN and/or in a Special Edition of the MNLUM Journal

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission: 20 April 2026
• Communication of Acceptance: 30 April 2026
• Registration Deadline: 8 May 2026
• Full Paper Submission: 8 June 2026
• Conference Dates: 20–21 June 2026

Registration Fees

• Academicians/Industry Experts/Professionals: INR 2500
• Students: INR 2000
• Ph.D. Research Scholars: INR 2500
• International Participants: USD 350
• Attendees: INR 500

Note:

• Physical attendance is compulsory for attendees
• The conference will be conducted in hybrid mode, therefore presentations may also be delivered online
• Co-authors must register separately

Registration & Submission Links

• Abstract Submission: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXxaD_8Xyrh0hpu_hWoMPZjc1q-yKSJuqiDCpbQtvy825M0Q/viewform
• Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvpHCL2brRQF5V_GH0MX3G2OK_bLd7SQtvmbr3IBLtYkL1Zw/viewform
• Payment: https://payments.cashfree.com/forms/SkyForensicsConference
• Brochure: https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/2026/03/31/conference-on-sky-fornesics-mnlu-mumbai-664869.pdf

Venue

Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai, Powai, Mumbai (Hybrid Conference)

Contact Details

Email: crcj@mnlumumbai.edu.in
Pranav Talke: 9022406863
Arnav Sinha: 6392366079
Tanya Sara George: 9495983505