Forensic Toxicology at NIJ

NIJ is the research, development, and evaluation arm of the Department of Justice, and the leading Federal funder of forensic science research, including in forensic toxicology. From 2009-22, NIJ has funded almost 70 awards in forensic toxicology for a total of over $26M with 114 publications that have been cited over 2,200 times.

NIJ funds forensic toxicology research primarily through three solicitations:

• Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes
• Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories
• Graduate Research Fellowship

NIJ also provides technology transition in the form of webinars, podcasts, and other education resources through its Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

We support:

• Development and implementation of NPS Discovery, a near-real-time drug warning system
• Cutting edge research in vaping
• Hair sample optimization and novel blood protein modification for DFS investigations
• Comprehensive screening methods with HRMS in public toxicology labs
• Wastewater epidemiology to examine stimulant trends
• Much more…

What has NIJ funded in the field?

• Development and ongoing implementation of NPS Discovery, a near-real-time drug warning system (Dr. Alex Krotulski, CFSRE)
• Leading edge research in vaping since 2016 (Dr. Michelle Peace, VCU)
• Exploration of hair testing parameters and novel blood protein modification to assist in DFSA and other cases (Dr. Anthony DeCaprio, FIU)
• Development of validated methods for comprehensive screening with HRMS in public toxicology labs (Dr. Becky Wagner, VA DFS)
• Wastewater epidemiology to examine stimulant trends (Dr. Chris Delcher, UK)
• And many more exciting lines of research

How can I get involved?

• Conduct research or partner with a research institution to ensure your needs are being met. If you haven’t already – please consider signing up at Connecting Researchers with Forensic Laboratories.
• Be a peer reviewer of research applications – contact [email protected]  
• Become a Technology Working Group member and craft the operational needs of the forensic toxicology field to ensure strong research proposals. We're accepting applications to serve on the Forensic Laboratory Needs–Technology Working Group. Apply by December 29.