In 2023, the ICRC’s Forensic Unit will be the recipient of the Clyde Snow Award, the scientific community’s highest recognition for humanitarian forensics, marking 20 years of forensic work by the ICRC.

The Clyde Snow Award was established in 1998 by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in honour of Clyde Snow, an American forensic anthropologist. He was known for his work in identifying victims of human rights abuses, war crimes and other atrocities, both in the United States and around the world. He worked on several high-profile cases throughout his career, and his expertise and dedication to his work made him a respected figure in the field of forensic anthropology.

The award recognizes the ongoing efforts of those working to protect the rights of individuals and promote justice through the use of scientific methods in investigations. It is widely regarded as one of the highest honours in the field of forensic anthropology and acknowledges the long-term dedication and efforts of an individual or organization in utilizing forensic science to support human rights investigations and humanitarian action globally.

The academy noted that “The forensic team of the ICRC has performed highly commendable work in the field of humanitarian forensics through capacity building of medico-legal systems in multiple countries affected by conflicts, natural disasters, or other situations of violence.”

The award is intended to stimulate the career development and minds of young forensic scientists and exemplifies the commitment of the academy to the application of forensic science to help resolve important issues internationally. The award will be presented to the head of the Forensic Unit, Pierre Guyomarch, at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences' annual meeting on 15 February 2023.