Interagency Collaboration to Support Forensic Science Research

This agreement will allow the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to maximize the value of federal resources in research and development in the forensic sciences. Toward that end, this agreement employs the strengths of both agencies to identify promising areas of research and to fund innovative proposals and programs in the forensic sciences. This agreement is entered into according to the principles of collaboration and coordination outlined in the current NIJ-NSF Memoranda of Understanding (established 09/10/2012 and 06/05/2014). NSF maintains programs that support research and education across the full range of science, mathematics and engineering. Although it has in the past funded forensic science research indirectly under many programs, NSF recently published announcements (NSF 13-120 and 14-066) specifically related to engaging more directly to advance forensic research and technology.

The collaborative projects of this agreement will support NIJ's Forensic Science Research and Development Program by partnering with the diverse scientific expertise of NSF. These projects will further the NIJ mission to enhance the capacity, capability and validity ofU.S. forensic laboratories by: 1) identifying promising research areas in the forensic sciences; 2) sharing personnel for information exchange; and 3) funding forensic science research projects through NSF that further both agencies' missions.

In support of these goals, specific project tasks will be undertaken by mutual agreement of NSF and NIJ that will result in deliverables (elaborated in the statement of work), which will include:

1. Hosting of Meetings in Support of Forensic Science Research Programs
2. Management of External Research Projects with Relevance to Forensic Science Research Priorities
3. Hosting of Personnel to Exchange Knowledge for Strengthening Forensic Science Programs
4. Funding of Forensic Science Research Center(s)