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.
Roundtable Discussion on Day 1 of A Virtual Workshop Discussing Response to Sexual Assault
This is one of 16 videos related to the workshop, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology This is one of 16 videos related to The Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
Impact of Advances in Computer Science, Statistics & Engineering on Firearms & Toolmarks Examination
This video is one of 12 from the recorded at the Firearm and Toolmarks Policy and Practice Forum hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 11–14, 2022. This video includes a brief introduction and the keynote from day 2, which focused on emerging technologies.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
Behind the Evidence: Supporting Mental Health and Morale
This webinar covers ideas and strategies to enhance morale among staff in forensic laboratory units. Positive mental health among team members not only fosters a supportive and productive work environment but also increases the overall quality and efficiency of operations. Participants learn practical approaches to address common workplace stressors, improve communication, and promote resilience within their teams. By prioritizing mental health, laboratories can achieve better outcomes while ensuring the well-being of their dedicated professionals.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
Just Resolving A Capital Murder Case In Denton Texas
In the final episode of our case study season Just Science sat down with Ashleigh Berg, senior forensic investigator for the Denton County Sheriff's Office, to discuss a capital murder case where a combination of a variety of forensic evidence types aided the resolution of the case. When a homicide occurs in a dynamic environment, like inside a moving vehicle that was involved in two car crashes, it can pose challenges for reconstructing the timeline of events and differentiating incident related evidence from post-incident artifacts.
Improving Consistency in Forensic Reporting Through DEA’s GUARDS Comprehensive Methodology
This workshop explores the impact inconsistent drug analysis reporting has on public health and public trust. The value and implementation of the Global Uniform Analysis and Reporting of Drug-Related Substances (GUARDS) innovative methodology in over 200 instruments across United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratories are presented, as well as the efforts of other labs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Illinois State Police.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
Just Forensic Podiatry Supporting Investigations
In episode three of our case study season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Michael Nirenberg, a clinical and forensic podiatrist and current president of the American Society of Forensic Podiatry, to discuss how analyzing a perpetrator's gait and footprint evidence located at a crime scene can help advance investigations and resolve cases.
Just Using Inadvertently Photographed Ridge Detail as Evidence
In episode two of our case studies Season Just Science sat down with Tim Fayle Training Capability Lead for IDEMIA Australasia and Chair of the International Association for Identifications Latent Print Certification Board to discuss the utility of friction ridge detail inadvertently captured via photographs as a valuable and potentially underutilized type of evidence within a variety of case types.
Just Mass Disaster Emergency Response in Maui, Hawaii
In episode one of our case study season just sat down with Anthony Earles, Forensics Identification Unit supervisor at the Maui Police Department, to discuss the Maui wildfires that occurred on August 8th, 2023, including the collaborative nature of the mass disaster emergency response effort, the forensic methodologies and technologies used to identify recovered human remains and the various challenges encountered during response mobilization due to the isolated geographic location of Maui County, Hawaii.
MDI Myth: Nobody Cares About or Uses MDI Data
Misconceptions abound regarding the role of medicolegal death investigation (MDI) professionals, particularly the pervasive belief that they solely work with and for the deceased. This perception often leads to a public reluctance in engaging with medical examiner and coroner (MEC) systems, especially from stakeholders who hold the proverbial purse strings. The reality is, MDI data impacts the living, from assisting grieving families to influencing public health at regional and even national levels.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
MDI Myth: Rapid Toxicology Screening Tools Can Replace Traditional
This session busts the myth that new toxicology screening tools can fully replace traditional toxicology testing. The session discusses the appropriate integration of current rapid toxicology screening tools into MEC offices as a method of triaging cases, rather than a determination of toxicology related causes of deaths.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
