Innocence Network Midwest Regional Summit to unite advocates in Cincinnati

The Ohio Innocence Project will host the Innocence Network Midwest Regional Summit on October 21-22, 2025, bringing together innocence practitioners, legal advocates, and reform leaders from across the region for two days of collaboration, learning, and community in downtown Cincinnati.

The annual gathering will feature dynamic sessions exploring the intersection of science, technology, law, and human impact in wrongful conviction work. Hosted at venues throughout Cincinnati, including The Atriums and the Mayerson Foundation, the summit offers a blend of professional development and cultural connection.

A Creative and Collaborative Kickoff

The Summit begins Tuesday, October 21, when attendees will take part in a docent-led tour of the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), exploring exhibitions centered on identity, memory, migration, and political trauma-issues deeply resonant with the innocence community.

The evening concludes with a Welcome Reception at the Mayerson Foundation, where attendees will enjoy city views, local art, and an opportunity to reconnect with Midwest colleagues.

Exploring Science, Law, and Humanity

On Wednesday, October 22, programming begins with welcome remarks from Mark Godsey, Director of the Ohio Innocence Project and Cait Murray, Assistant Director of Network Stakeholder Engagement at the Innocence Network Support Unit.

The day's sessions will span a range of timely and impactful topics:

• Forensic Genetic Genealogy in Wrongful Conviction Cases - Led by Rachel Burg (Wisconsin Innocence Project), David Gurney (IGG Center, Ramapo College), and Jim Mayer (Great North Innocence Project), this session will unpack how cutting-edge genetic tools can help innocence litigators identify true perpetrators and advance post-conviction relief.
• Artificial Intelligence and Wrongful Conviction - Tebah Browne (Innocence Project) will explore the promise and perils of AI and machine learning in the justice system, focusing on how to ensure these technologies uphold, rather than undermine, fairness and accountability.

The afternoon will feature concurrent sessions on legal strategy and organizational effectiveness:

• Behind Closed Files: The Brady Duty to Disclose and the Fight for Fair Trials - Melissa Giggenbach (West Virginia Innocence Project) and Lenora Popken (Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic) will lead a hands-on workshop on litigating Brady violations and strengthening fair trial advocacy.
• Intake Essentials: Adapting Systems for Efficiency and Fairness - A collaborative discussion on improving intake systems to handle increasing case volumes while maintaining a fair review processes.

The day continues with Navigating Important Conversations: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Communication, an interactive session focused on sensitive client engagement practices and recognizing trauma responses in the context of wrongful conviction.

Looking Ahead

The Summit will close with reflections and next steps led by Director Godsey and Assistant Director Murray, emphasizing collaboration and continued growth within the regional network of innocence organizations.

With its mix of art, innovation, and advocacy, the 2025 Midwest Regional Summit aims to strengthen the bonds between teams working to correct injustice and to inspire new ideas in the ongoing fight for freedom and reform.

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