Forensic science is the application of sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering to matters of law.
NIJ’s forensic science research and development program focuses on basic and applied scientific research with the intent to:
- Direct the findings of basic scientific research in broader scientific fields applicable to forensic science.
- Apply forensic science research to the development of highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, rapid methods for the identification, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence.
- Expand the scientific basis of forensic methods.
- Produce useful materials, devices, systems or methods that have the potential for forensic application.
- Increase the body of knowledge to guide and inform forensic science policy and practice.
On this page, find links to articles, awards, events, publications, and multimedia related to forensic sciences.
Research Forensic Library
We invite you to also search the Research Forensic Library, a curated collection of publicly-accessible material relating to every discipline of the forensic sciences.
Electronic Cigarettes: A Tangle of Regulation, Public Health, and Public Safety Issues
While modern electronic cigarettes (ECIG) were invented as an effective alternate method for nicotine delivery, the unregulated cannabis industry and recreational drug consumers adopted them for their culture acceptability and concealability. Absent strong, clear federal regulations, the ECIG industry rapidly expanded product types and e-liquid formulations. E-liquids contain chemicals considered safe for oral consumption, creating an aura of safety for consumers.
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Just Improving Sexual Assault Kit Testing Workflows
In episode one of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month season, Just Science sat down with Jody West, the forensic science manager for the forensic biology section at the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory, and Dr. Patricia Melton, a senior research Forensic Social Scientist at RTI International. Discuss resources aimed to help Forensic Science Service Providers increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of sexual assault kit testing. Among Forensics Science Service providers, there's a variability in how they approach testing sexual assault kits.
Driving Success: Leadership Principles for Building the Right Team
Successful leadership is more than just managing people—it’s about assembling the right team, placing individuals in roles where they thrive, and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. This session explores key leadership principles based on the concept of "getting the right people on the bus" and ensuring they are in the right seats. Strategies for identifying talent, aligning team strengths with organizational goals, and creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute their best are discussed.
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Improving Teamwork, Communication, and Productivity in the Workplace
This webinar provides a high-level overview of the Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness (DiSC) Personality Assessment tool and its application in workplace settings. Attendees learn how DiSC helps identify individual behavioral styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and fosters better communication, teamwork, and productivity. The presentation explores practical insights into understanding colleagues' unique preferences and adapting your communication strategies for a more effective workplace.
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Just Advancements in Death Investigation Practices
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Chuck Heurich, senior physical scientist with the National Institute of Justice, and Dr. Jennifer Snippen, experienced medicolegal death investigator and consultant, to discuss recent updates to NIJ's guide for the Death Scene investigator. 25 years ago NIJ released a guide to help medicolegal death investigators navigate complex scenes and cases, a document that has since evolved with the development of best practices and technological advancements.
2025 NIJ Forensic Research and Development Symposium: Forensic Biology and DNA (Session 4)
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence assisted the National Institute of Justice in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the 77th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. This video is one of five recorded sessions from the event.
Presentations include -
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2025 NIJ Forensic Research and Development Symposium, Seized Drugs & Toxicology (Session 3)
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence assisted the National Institute of Justice in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the 77th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. This video is one of five recorded sessions from the event.
Presentations include -
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2025 NIJ Forensic Research and Development Symposium: Impression, Pattern, & Trace (Session 1)
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence assisted the National Institute of Justice in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the 77th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. This video is one of five recorded sessions from the event.
Presentations include -
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2025 NIJ Forensic Research and Development Symposium: Anthropology (Session 2)
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence assisted the National Institute of Justice in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the 77th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. This video is one of five recorded sessions from the event.
Presentations include -
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We’re Ready for a Change: Preparing for New Technology
Adopting new technology, particularly new software, can often present unforeseen challenges to business owners who have limited experience with this process. In a laboratory setting, leaders not only need to prepare staff for change, but they need to strategically plan for product implementation up to two years before release.
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