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
- Deep Learning to Enhance Investigative Lead Information for Automotive Clearcoats
- Real-Time Sample-Mining and Data-Mining Approaches for the Discovery of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS)
- Emergency department-based testing for xylazine and other novel psychoactive substances in Central Alabama: a feasibility study
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.
Sexual Assault: Obtaining DNA From Evidence Collected up to a Week Later - Panel at the 2009 NIJ Conference
Technological advances have made it possible to detect male DNA in evidentiary samples collected several days after a sexual act has taken place. Panelists will present the research that has led to these findings, followed by a discussion of the potential impact of this work from the perspectives of the sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) and the crime laboratory communities.
Making Sense of the DNA Backlog - NIJ Conference Panel
Panelists will present findings from two NIJ studies that examined the DNA backlog in law enforcement agencies and crime labs. Panelists will discuss research findings related to new and potential time- and cost-saving approaches.
DNA Evidence and Property Crimes
Expert Chat Webinar
Moderator: Katharine Browning, Ph.D., Senior Social Science Analyst, National Institute of Justice
Panelists:
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Sexual Violence and Evidence Collection
Expert Chat Webinar
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Crime File: Biology and Crime
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Effective Leadership Communication: Why it Makes or Breaks Leading Change
Effective leadership communication plays a vital role in promoting meaningful change within an organization. This presentation explores key principles such as “modeling the way”, “inspiring a shared vision”, and “start with why”. Vision-driven communication requires crime laboratory supervisors to utilize various communication tools while they act as a driving force within the organization, leading their teams to success.
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Statistical Genetics and the Mechanisms of Probabilistic Genotyping
Probabilistic genotyping is a tool that uses computing power to aid in the identification of possible genotype sets within DNA typing results and to calculate likelihood ratios to estimate evidentiary weight. In this installment of Probabilistic Genotyping of Evidentiary DNA Typing Results, we will detail the background and principles of biostatistical analysis, to include match probabilities, likelihood ratios and other specific topics aimed at furthering understanding of the statistical basis of probabilistic genotyping.
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