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.
Responding to Sexual Assault Victims of Color
A deeper understanding of the trauma experienced by people of color and its impact on their experience in the criminal justice system provides the ability to improve sexual assault investigations and victim services for survivors of color.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 29, 2018.
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Just Motivational Leadership
Episode three of the Special Release Leadership season, just Science sat down with Martina Bison-Huckaby. the Director of the Center for Executive Education at West Virginia University's College of Business and Economics. Just Science examines how understanding and relating with people separates leadership from management. Also, we discuss that taking business techniques, and human psychology into a crime lab leadership position can be challenging. Martina Bison Huckaby explains how West Virginia University.
Just FORESIGHT on Sexual Assault Kits
In episode three of our Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Dr. Paul Speaker from West Virginia University about the jurisdictional return on investment for DMA Databases. With the help of FORESIGHT crime labs can have not only an emotional argument but also an economical argument for testing all sexual assault kits. Just Science explores questions in this episode such as, should labs test all sexual assault kits? Should labs prioritize by if it was a consent case? does this data have more than just a societal impact? Stay tuned as Dr.
Combatting the Human Trafficking Epidemic
Trafficking in persons is a multi-faceted global epidemic which has seen a significant increase in public awareness. However, there is a substantial need to expand capacities and technologies involving representatives from all stakeholders.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 1, 2018.
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Estimating Blow Fly Age and Reducing Error in Postmortem Interval Cases
Insect evidence can provide valuable information during death investigations. Forensic entomologists estimate the ages of the immature insects like blow flies, which can provide useful information regarding timelines in death investigations.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on October 24, 2018.
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New Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) Recommendations on Communicating Likelihood Ratios
SWGDAM recently issued recommendations on genotyping results reported as likelihood ratios, designed to promote consistency among laboratories. Members of the committee will discuss the recommendations and their foundations.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on October 18, 22018.
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Paper Microfluidic Devices for Fieldable Forensic Testing
A suite of paper microfluidic devices for detecting explosives, drugs and serology has now been developed. These devices are not much larger than a postage stamp and can detect multiple target analytes.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on October 3, 2018.
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Making a Forensic Scientist: A Recipe for Success
This webinar will discuss the challenges facing forensic science today and provide advice for entry-level practitioners on skills needed to succeed as a forensic scientist.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 21, 2018.
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Novel Forensic Chemistry Research from Early-Career Scientists
This online session will be a platform for early-career forensic chemists to present their research to the FTCoE audience.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 19, 2018.
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Mixtures, Microhaps, and Modeling, Oh My!! Cutting-Edge Research in Forensic DNA Analysis from Early-Career Scientists
During National Forensic Science Week, early-career researchers that were awarded FTCoE travel sponsorships to the prestigious Gordon Research Conference and Seminar will present novel projects in forensic DNA analysis.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 19, 2018.
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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.
