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.
Publications and Grant Reports
Expert Roundtable: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault
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.
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Just A Pediatrics Viewpoint On At-Home Sexual Assault Kits
In episode three of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Toni Laskey, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine and the division chief of the Center for Safe and Healthy Families at Primary Children's Hospital. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four girls and one in 13 boys under the age of 18 will be a victim of sexual abuse over their lifetimes. Listen along as Dr.
Just Addressing Child Sexual Violence
An introductory note indicates that Prevent Child Abuse Utah is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public on preventing and responding to child sexual abuse. Thorpe, the Executive Director, discusses her career in child abuse prevention and response, as well as whether she believes at-home kits should have a role in addressing child sexual violence. Thorpe states that her focus in the work of Prevent Child Abuse Utah, which is part of a network of such organizations in jurisdictions throughout the country, is the prevention of child abuse.
Scientific Foundation and the State of Firearms and Toolmark Research: Presentations & Expert Panel
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. Day 1 focused on Scientific Foundation and the State of Firearms and Toolmark Research.
Presentations include:
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Crime Gun Intelligence Revolution: Day 3 Keynote at the Firearm & Toolmarks Policy & Practice Forum
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 welcoming remarks and the day keynote address by Thomas Chittum, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The symposium included presentations and panel discussions on topics relevant to recent advances in firearm and toolmark examination with a focus on the future.
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Chairs Panel Discussion at the Firearms and Toolmarks Policy and Practice Forum
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. Panelists include:
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The Accuracy, Repeatability, and Reproducibility of Firearms/Toolmarks Comparisons
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. Video includes welcome remarks and a keynote address by Erich Smith, FBI Laboratory. The symposium included presentations and panel discussions on topics relevant to recent advances in firearm and toolmark examination with a focus on the future.
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Firearm and Toolmarks Policy and Practice Forum - Welcome and Keynote
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. Included are welcome message and keynote presentation "A Review of Scientific Foundations of Firearm Examination and Related Research," Theodore Vorburger, National Institute of Standards and Technology. The symposium included presentations and panel discussions on topics relevant to recent advances in firearm and toolmark examination with a focus on the future.
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NIJ's Forensic Intelligence Initiative - Using Forensics for Crime Disruption and Prevention
This video, a presentation by NIJ's Jonathan McGrath and Basia Lopez, 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. The symposium included presentations and panel discussions on topics relevant to recent advances in firearm and toolmark examination with a focus on the future.
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Emerging 3D Technologies in Firearm and 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. Day 3 focused on emerging technologies. Presentations include:
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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.
