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Inclusive Research: Engaging People Closest to the Issue Makes for Better Science & Greater Impact; 2023 NIJ Research Conference Plenary

August 2023

This panel will discuss what inclusive research is, how to conduct it, and what issues and challenges exist about engaging in it. “Inclusive research” has its history as a participatory research method designed to ensure people closest to the issue or problem under study are authentically engaged in the research process rather than simply being “research subjects.” While community-based participatory research has begun to take on greater prominence in the criminal justice realm, such efforts are largely confined to qualitative research inquiries.

Can Science Enhance Equity? Findings and Implications From a Study To Detect Bruising on Victims with Dark Skin Pigmentation

August 2023

This plenary panel from the 2023 NIJ Research Conference features fascinating research on a methodology to improve the detection and documentation of bruises on victims of violence who have dark skin pigmentation. This study highlights the intersection between science, justice, and racial equity, featuring practitioner and victims’ advocacy perspectives. The discussion describes the research and its findings and explore strategies to ensure that this particular evidence-based methodology can be widely implemented by nurse practitioners in the field.

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Meeting People Where They Are to Improve Institutional Culture

August 2023

Incarcerated individuals deserve opportunities for healing and growth, but they often lack the necessary resources for such opportunities. Additionally, organizational cultures that don’t support these outcomes often stand in the way. Researchers and practitioners gathered at NIJ’s 2023 National Research Conference to share ideas and projects that will increase opportunities for incarcerated populations around the country. This show continues their conversation. 

2023 NIJ Research Conference Opening Ceremony

August 2023

The theme of NIJ’s 2023 Research Conference was “evidence to action,” and our goal was to bring researchers and practitioners together to learn about the latest research evidence and how it can be implemented to promote safety, equity, and justice.

The opening ceremony included remarks from U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Amy Solomon, and NIJ Director Nancy La Vigne.

Statistics 101

August 2023

This training was presented as a part of the National Center on Forensics conference at George Mason University on August 9th, 2023. It is common for statistics to be used to contextualize the significance of evidence in a court of law. However, these statistics can be difficult to decipher without proper instruction. In this session, pathologist Dr. Dan Milner breaks down common uses of statistics in an easily-digestible way in order to elevate viewer’s understanding.

DNA 101

August 2023

This training was presented as a part of the National Center on Forensics conference at George Mason University on August 8th, 2023. In this session, FBI Forensic DNA Examiner Amanda Bakker introduces all the most vital concepts of DNA analysis and evidence. For those who aren’t DNA analysts but work in tangential fields such as law enforcement and criminal justice, this session will be incredibly useful for understanding topics such as what DNA is, how it transfers, how it is collected, and how it is analyzed.

Cannabinoid Conundrums Webinar Series Expert Panel

August 2023

As evident by the Cannabinoid Connundrums webinar series, the rapidly changing world of cannabinoids offers many conundrums. To tackle some of these questions, Dr. Ruth Winecker led a panel discussion with Dr. Ed Cone, Dr. Nathalie Desrosiers, Mr. Justin Poklis, and Mr. Nelson Santos. This diverse slate of thought leaders includes experts in analytical chemistry, forensic toxicology, clinical research, and drug chemistry. This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 3, 2023.