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Forensic and Investigative Sciences

Description

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.

Probabilistic Genotyping Software and Output

May 2019

Over a dozen probabilistic genotyping software programs are commercially available or accessible as freeware. This module presents an instructive overview by software developers of three programs that are supported by published developmental validation.

This webinar is part 3 of the Probabilistic Genotyping Of Evidentiary DNA Typing Results Webinar Series and was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 22, 2019.

Growing the Forensic Nursing Specialty

May 2019

This webinar highlights leaders in the forensic nursing movement and efforts of those actively trying to grow this critical specialty through scientific evidence and experience, to best serve vulnerable patients seeking help following trauma.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 21, 2019.

A Therapeutic Response to Suspected Elder Abuse

May 2019

Recognizing elder abuse and neglect is challenging and can be more difficult if the person fears losing their independence. This webinar explores a therapeutic response including recognizing signs of abuse and respecting the rights of older persons.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 9, 2019.

Rapid DNA’s Role in Disaster Victim Identification

May 2019

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate has tested Rapid DNA at mass fatality incident response exercises since 2015. This was done to determine the technology’s ability and usefulness in identifying victims of mass disasters. This webinar will review the successes and challenges from those exercises as well as discuss Rapid DNA’s most recent role in identifying victims of the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County, CA.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 2, 2019.

Collaboration Enhances Trauma-Informed Response to Sexual Assault Survivors

April 2019

The Houston Area Women’s Center’s & Houston Police Department’s experiences will provide attendees greater insight into how collaboration across community- and systems-based advocacy can enhance law enforcement’s response to sexual assault survivors.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 25, 2019.

Emerging Forensic Research Series: Forensic Toxicology & Drugs

April 2019

Forensic science research and development plays a key role in the advancement of the practice of forensic science, as noted by the 2009 National Academies of Science report “Strengthening Forensic Sciences in the United States: A Path Forward.” The Emerging Forensic Research Webinar Series provides a platform for researchers to present their novel NIJ-supported research to the forensic community.

Emerging Forensic Research Series: Forensic Biology

April 2019

Forensic science research and development plays a key role in the advancement of the practice of forensic science, as noted by the 2009 National Academies of Science report “Strengthening Forensic Sciences in the United States: A Path Forward.”

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 9, 2019.

Surviving Sexual Assault - It Takes A Village

April 2019

Listening to the experiences of sexual assault survivors is an important step to fully understand how the criminal justice system plays a pivotal role in a survivor’s journey to recovery from the mental and physical impact of sexual assault.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 2, 2019.

Building Forensic Capacity Post-Conflict: Lessons from Uganda

March 2019

This presentation introduces research conducted in Uganda at the nexus of forensic science and transitional justice, highlighting a large-scale forensic investigation and human identification capacity-building workshop for Ugandan stakeholders.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 28, 2019.

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.