Funding Opportunities
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.
Just Building Workforce Resiliency
Over the last few years, the National Institute of Justice has placed an increasingly large emphasis on the influence of work-related stress on mental health. In this special release episode, Just Science interviews Amy Jeanguenat and Andrew Levin, two experts in the field of workforce resiliency, about the impact of vicarious trauma on forensic scientists, analysts, and first responders.
Communicating Conclusions in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
The results of a bloodstain pattern analysis are communicated through written reports and courtroom testimony. Principles of communication science will be discussed and explained to develop the audience’s ability to transfer meaning through writing and verbal testimony.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on December 11, 2019.
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UNODC Early Warning Alert System: Forensic Tools for New Psychoactive Substances
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Early Warning Advisory (EWA) on new psychoactive substances (NPS) was launched in June 2013 as a response to the emergence of NPS at the global level. The EWA aims to monitor, analyse, and report trends on NPS as a basis for effective evidence-based policy responses. It also serves as a repository for information/data on these substances and a platform for providing technical assistance, tools, and relevant analytical information for national drug testing and toxicology laboratories in member states.
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Rapid and Effective Identification of Organic and Inorganic Gunshot Residues
A team of researchers from West Virginia University’s Department Forensic and Investigative Science will discuss emerging methods for identification of organic and inorganic gunshot residues. Fast electrochemical, spectroscopic techniques, and LC/MS are presented as effective approaches to streamline gunshot residue investigations.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 20, 2019.
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The Next Wave: Applying Lessons Learned from Opioids and PolyDrug Critical Incidents in Addressing Emerging Drug Threats
By participating in this webinar, participants will be able to discuss the breadth, diversity, and array of substance and substance combinations as well as the latest trends in novel psychoactive substances contributing to our current substance abuse pandemic.
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National Institute of Justice: Strengthening Science and Advancing Justice
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Detection and Visibility of Bruises Using Alternate Light: From Science to Practice
Alternate light has the potential to be an important tool for improving the detection and documentation of bruises among victims of violence. In this webinar, we discussed the science behind the technology, new evidence supporting its use, and clinical considerations regarding its application.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on October 30, 2019.
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Portable Advanced 3D Imaging for Footwear and Tire Impression Capture
This Webinar presented a fully-automated 3D imaging technology that can capture 3D fine features at approximately 137 ppi (pixels per inch) within a couple of seconds. This technology was tailored for tire and shoe impression capture but with the potential for other evidence collection.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on October 23, 2019.
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Handling Difficult and Disturbing Forensic Cases for Coroners and Medical Examiners
Medical examiner offices handle cases that present both technical and psychosocial challenges. Psychosocial challenges include communicating with highly distressed families of decedents and addressing complex moral and emotional concerns raised by disturbing cases and mass fatality events. This webinar provides information and skills to enhance the capacity to address the psychosocial demands of medical examiner and coroner work.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on October 17, 2019.
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Improving National Laboratory Capability and Capacity to Measure Human Exposure to Synthetic Opioids
This presentation will review CDC laboratory activities related to improving measurements of human exposures to synthetic opioids, and how this may benefit public, private and academic laboratories.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 3, 2019.
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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.
