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.
Emerging Forensic Research Series: Medicolegal Death Investigations
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 March 14, 2019.
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Stable Isotope Analysis in a Humanitarian Context
This webinar will introduce stable isotope analysis and its validity as analytical tool in establishing the geographic origin and life history of unidentified individuals from forensic and humanitarian contexts.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 12, 2019.
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The Elements of DNA Profile Interpretation and Probabilistic Genotyping
Based on the review of various forms of STR typing results and factors that impact the presence or condition of DNA on evidence, instructors in this installment of Probabilistic Genotyping of Evidentiary DNA Typing Results lay a foundation for the interpretation of forensic DNA typing results. The session will begin with background information on forensic DNA analysis, including terminology and mechanisms, to help all participants comprehend the material covered in this series.
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The Time to Collect is Now: DNA Evidence in Groping Sexual Assault Cases
Improving the overall response to sexual assault includes understanding how touch DNA evidence impacts groping sexual assault cases. This webinar will illustrate the importance of these cases and highlight proposed guidelines for evidence collection.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 27, 2019.
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Emerging Forensic Research Series: Firearms and Toolmarks Research
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 February 26, 2019.
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Quality Assurance in the Forensic Laboratory
This course explains transitioning from 17025:2005 to 17025:2017 and the lessons Learned. This is the fifth webinar in the ASCLD Train the Director Webinar Series.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 21, 2019.
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Trace Evidence for the Crime Laboratory
This course serves as an overview of the trace evidence discipline for the crime laboratory administration. This is the fourth webinar in the ASCLD Train the Director Webinar Series.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 14, 2019.
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Fire Debris Analysis is Not Black Magic!
The webinar will introduce those laboratory managers with fire debris analysis sections to the nuances of fire debris analysis. This is the third webinar in the ASCLD Train the Director Webinar Series.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 7, 2019.
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Isotopes Aiding Identification of Undocumented Border Crosser Human Remains
This webinar highlights the theory and methods of isotopic analysis to explain how it can be used to assist in the identification of human remains for undocumented border crossers who do not survive the journey between Mexico and the United States.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 6, 2019.
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Digital Forensics: An Overview for the Laboratory Manager
This webinar will provide an overview of the field of digital forensics for the laboratory administrator. This is the second webinar in the ASCLD Train the Director Webinar Series.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on January 31, 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.
