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
- Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry for Rapid Drug and Drug Metabolite Screening Directly from Postmortem Blood Samples
- Naturally-occurring DNA fragment termini correlate with methylation at CpG sites in hair and blood plasma cell-free DNA
- Rootless hair as a reliable source of forensic genetic information
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.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
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.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
National Institute of Justice: Strengthening Science and Advancing Justice
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
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.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
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.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
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.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
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.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
Digital and Multimedia Forensics: The Impact of Disturbing Media
This webinar will discuss the impact of disturbing media on the psychological well-being (e.g., depression, secondary traumatic stress) of digital and multimedia forensic analysts.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 28, 2019.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
Understanding the Impact of Drug Background Levels in Forensic Laboratories
This webinar will present a recent study investigating drug background levels in forensic laboratories and its implications on data quality, data integrity, and laboratory staff safety as well as strategies for reducing background and self-monitoring.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 13, 2019.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
Investigating Sexual Assault of Elder Victims
Sexual assault investigations within the elderly population require a unique and collaborative response. This webinar highlighted strategies to improve support services and case outcomes for elderly victims through a multidisciplinary approach.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 12, 2019.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
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.
