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
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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Just the Intersection of At-Home Kits and Healing
An introductory note for the interview states that Monica Gardner knows from experience that healing isn’t linear. She shares her struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, thoughts of self-harm, anxiety, and depression. She addresses the importance of therapy during the healing process and offers her perspective on at-home sexual assault kits performed without medical assistance or guidance. Monica notes that at-home kits give survivors the opportunity to proceed at their own pace without having to explain personal feelings, thoughts, and anxieties to a stranger.
Just Supporting Evidence Collection in Sexual Assault Cases
An introductory note indicates that as a researcher in sexual assault response reform and a sexual assault nurse examiner, Dr. Valentine is a subject-matter expert on collecting evidence in sexual assault cases. She discusses her work in sexual assault response reform and her perspective on the role of at-home SAKs in sexual assault cases. In discussing her current work and focus, she indicates that it pertains to SAKs and how they are managed in forensic science practice. She is currently involved in examining the prosecution of sexual assault cases.
The Effect of Time on Rusted Firearm Identification
Although iron-based metals are popular for making critical parts of firearms, they are susceptible to corrosion or rust. There is currently little research on how long a firearm can be left to rust before an identification is no longer possible. This project evaluates the effects of rust on the common working surfaces of Glock and Smith & Wesson Sigma firearms.
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Two-Pronged Study of Bullets Fired by Consecutively Rifled Barrels
In this study, firearms examiners were asked to use traditional microscopic methods to identify unknown bullets to the appropriate barrels. Additionally, 3D scans of these bullets were used in a matching algorithm to find similarity scores between bullets. Error rates were determined and the potential for subclass carry-over among the barrels was evaluated.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on December 16, 2021.
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Glock Pistol Toolmarks: A Literature Review and Introduction of Undocumented Toolmarks
This webinar will expand examiners' awareness of additional areas of interest for identification purposes. Two previously undocumented toolmarks were observed in Glock pistols and could potentially be used for other make/model pistols. These new toolmarks will expand an examiner’s ability to compare fired and unfired ammunition components to each other or to a suspect firearm.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on December 12, 2021.
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Exploration of Breech Face Subclass Characteristics
This study assesses the production of subclass characteristics during the manufacturing of breech faces. Observations on how well subclass characteristics persist on manufactured breech faces with and without any finishing methods as well as the effect of the primer on the quality/quantity of the breech face impressions will be discussed.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on December 9, 2021.
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Harnessing Data to Implement Real time, Data Driven Overdose Response Strategies
The Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) is a near real-time suspected overdose event surveillance platform developed by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (W/B HIDTA). The platform allows participating agencies to develop and implement response strategies that are tailored to their communities to help save lives.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on December 7, 2021.
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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.
