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
- Implementation of NPS Discovery – An Early Warning System for Novel Drug Intelligence, Surveillance, Monitoring, Response, and Forecasting using Drug Materials
- Optimized, Semi-Automated Differential DNA Extraction
- Increase in Fatal Overdoses Linked to Novel Synthetic Opioid N-Propionitrile Chlorphine (Cychlorphine)
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.
3D Firearm Imaging: Testimony and Admissibility
This video is one of four from the Virtual Workshop Series: 3D Firearm Imaging, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence from August 21 to September 11, 2024. This series is intended for firearm examiners or soon-to-be firearm examiners working in laboratories that have recently adopted 3D Firearm Imaging or are considering its adoption soon.
This video includes two presentations -
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Casework Efficiency, LIMS Integration, and Workflow Configurations for 3D Firearm Imaging
This video is one of four from the Virtual Workshop Series: 3D Firearm Imaging, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence from August 21 to September 11, 2024.
Throughout this workshop series, attendees hear from a range of presenters and subject matter experts.
This video includes the presentation Integrating Cadre Forensic TopMatch-3D in NIBIN Workflows, Alexander Luby, Firearms Examiner at Unified Forensic Laboratory.
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Validation Standards and Technical Working Group for 3D Toolmark Technologies
This video is one of four from the Virtual Workshop Series: 3D Firearm Imaging, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence from August 21 to September 11, 2024. Throughout this workshop series, attendees hear from a range of presenters and subject matter experts.
This video includes a presentations by Todd Weller, Weller Forensics, and Rachael Gominsky, Federal Bureau of Investigation Session.
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Introduction to 3D Firearm Microscopy, Instrumentation, and Measurement Practices
This video is one of four from the Virtual Workshop Series: 3D Firearm Imaging, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence from August 21 to September 11, 2024. Throughout this workshop series, attendees hear from a range of presenters and subject matter experts.
This video includes the presentation" Instrumentation, and Measurement Practices," Xiaoyu Alan Zheng, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Rachael Gominsky, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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The Forensic Examination and Comparison of Plastic Garbage Bags
Plastic bags are present in many criminal cases. Analyzing these bags in a forensic case can sometimes identify the manufacturer. More importantly, forensic comparison of bags from a known box or other known source can determine whether the bag could have originated from that source. This webinar discusses the manufacturing process, class and randomly acquired characteristics, examination techniques, and comparisons between questioned and known bags. The final segment includes a discussion of recent research in this area, followed by a question-and-answer period.
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Just Public Health and Safety Data Sharing in Georgia
In the final episode of our Community Based solutions for Substance Use Challenges season Just Science sits down, Kristen Lee, substance use program coordinator at the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Lizann Roberts, executive director of the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition. And Tara Jennings, strategic planning administrator for Chatham County government, to discuss their COSSUP funded Community Data platform, which helps connect health and justice data for an individual so that first responders can best meet their needs.
Just All Hands On DECK for Drug Endangered Youth
In episode seven of our Community based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season.
Just Outreach Teams for Substance Use in Rural Nevada
In episode six of our community based solutions for Substance Use Challenges, Season Just Science sits down with Doctor Terry Kerns, substance abuse law enforcement coordinator of the Nevada Office of the Attorney General.
Evaluating a Statistical Method for Comparison of Mass Spectra of Novel Psychoactive Substance
Identification of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) based on comparisons of electron-ionization (EI) mass spectra continues to pose challenges in seized drug analysis. In this webinar, a method to statistically compare EI mass spectra is described, and an application of the method to distinguish several structural and positional isomers of NPS analogs are demonstrated.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on July 25, 2024.
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Just Navigating Reentry using Peer Support
In episode five of our community based solutions for Substance Use Challenges season Just Science sits down with doctor Nicole Swiderski, New Jersey path to recovery grant manager and Jass Pelland, New Jersey Path to Recovery program manager to discuss how the New Jersey State Parole Board's 2021 Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant and Substance Use Program Award is supporting peer recovery and other services that help individuals with a substance use disorder navigate reentering the community after release from prison.
