This a report of the proceedings of the 2018 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium, whose purpose was to promote collaboration and improve knowledge transfer of NIJ-funded research.
The NIJ Forensic Science R&D Program funds both basic and applied R&D projects that will 1) increase the body of knowledge that guides and informs forensic science policy and practice or 2) contribute to the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods with the potential for forensic application. The 2018 Symposium’s full-day program included 18 presenters and their researcher partners, representing 16 NIJ awards. These awards were received during a 4-year period (2013-2016). The two morning sessions reported on and discussed research pertinent to forensic anthropology and controlled substances and toxicology. The afternoon sessions focused on trace microbiome and forensic biology/DNA. Reports are provided on the methodologies and findings of the of the grant research.