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.
The State of Standard Development & Tools for Assessing and Implementing Standards
This webinar introduces attendees to the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) Registry of Standards, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) on Forensic Science, and the Academy Standards Board (ASB). Attendees learn about forensic science standard development in the national and international space as well as standard implementation tools provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).
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Age Estimation from the Pubic Symphysis: Back to Basics
The pubic symphysis joint on the pubic bone is frequently used in anthropology to estimate age-at-death in late adolescent and adult individuals. This webinar will provide a background on the age indicator, as well as a review of the anatomical features used in the age estimation methods based on this joint. The primary focus of the webinar is to help participants better interpret the written phase descriptions in pubic symphysis age estimation methods.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on January 11, 2023.
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Just Identifying Lake Erie John Doe
In the final episode of our 2022 Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Thomas Gilson, Dr. Harmeet Kaur, and Hristina Lekova with the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office to discuss a puzzling case in which the identity of a decedent from 2014 still remains unknown. Since 2011, it has been uncommon for the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office to have a case in which a decedent remains unidentified for an extended period of time.
Digital Caseload Processing with the NIST National Software Reference Library
This webinar provides an overview of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Software Reference Library (NSRL) Reference Data Set (RDS). The NSRL hash set changes to a new format beginning March 2023, bringing several new capabilities into the hands of digital evidence practitioners. Examples shown enable the creation of case-specific hash sets and searches for notable files. A new update process is also demonstrated.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on December 13, 2022.
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Transition Analysis 3 Age at Death Estimation: Past, Present, and Future
The Transition Analysis 3 (TA3) age-at-death estimation method was developed as part of an international research project supported by National Institute of Justice (NIJ) award #2014-DN-BX-K007. This presentation provides a brief history of the TA3 project from its beginnings in the late 1990s to its current status two decades later. Participants learn about the iterative process used to identify traits and develop definitions and are introduced to the TA3 trait manual and generic data collection form.
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Just Identifying Gacy’s Victims, Part 1
In episode two of our Case Studies Part 2: mini season Just Science sat down with Jason Moran, commander of police at the Cook County Sheriff's Office, to discuss how he and his colleagues set out to identify the remaining victims of John Wayne Gacy, decades after their bodies were found. Technological limitations can sometimes make it very challenging to identify decomposed human remains. In the case of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, eight of his 33 victims remained unidentified for more than 30 years.
Just Identifying Gacy’s Victims, Part 2
In episode two of our Case Studies Part 2: mini season Just Science sat down with Jason Moran, commander of police at the Cook County Sheriff's Office, to discuss how he and his colleagues set out to identify the remaining victims of John Wayne Gacy, decades after their bodies were found. Technological limitations can sometimes make it very challenging to identify decomposed human remains. In the case of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, eight of his 33 victims remained unidentified for more than 30 years.
Audio Forensic Analysis Procedures for User Generated Audio Recordings
The widespread use of handheld smartphones and other devices capable of recording audio and video means that user generated recordings (UGRs) are increasingly presented as evidence in criminal investigations. Combined with other recordings from law enforcement systems, home surveillance systems, etc., the availability of UGRs may offer important audio forensic insights. Forensic handling of UGRs requires best practices for assessing authenticity and integrity of the recorded information.
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Just Autopsy Results and Crime Scene Reconstruction
In episode one of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Kelly Ayers, an International Association for Identification Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst, to discuss how preliminary autopsy results can help investigators piece together a story of what happened at a crime scene. For crime scene investigators, preliminary autopsy results issued by forensic pathologist and medical examiners can be used in conjunction with other disciplines, such as bloodstain pattern analysis, to provide pivotal information about a case.
Forensic Fractography of Bone A New Model for Skeletal Trauma Analysis
Fractography is a tool for studying material failure. Analysis of cracks and fractures can reveal information about how, why, and where a fracture initiated and how a crack traveled, providing insight into the cause of failure. This webinar provides a basic introduction to forensic fractography of bone, which represents a new model for skeletal trauma that emphasizes understanding the cause of material failure rather than simply classifying fracture patterns.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 2, 2022.
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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.
