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
- Optimized, Semi-Automated Differential DNA Extraction
- Implementation of NPS Discovery – An Early Warning System for Novel Drug Intelligence, Surveillance, Monitoring, Response, and Forecasting using Drug Materials
- Emergency department-based testing for xylazine and other novel psychoactive substances in Central Alabama: a feasibility study
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.
NIJ’s Role in Strengthening the ME-Coroner System
Medicolegal death investigators serve a fundamental role for public safety and ensuring justice by conducting death scene investigations and providing investigation services for suspected homicides and violent deaths, sudden and unexpected deaths, and deaths due to suspicious circumstances, as well as deaths related to drugs, drug overdoses, terrorism, and mass fatality incidents.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence in July 2018.
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Update on Legalized Marijuana from the Mile High City
Update on Legalized Marijuana from the Mile High City Presenter: Dr. James Caruso In 2012, the state of Colorado passed amendment 62, which allowed the possession, recreational use, production, distribution, and personal cultivation of marijuana. Since then, other states have also legalized marijuana for medical and recreational uses. This session covers the history, “discovery,” criminalization, and legalization of marijuana in Colorado and other states.
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Just Opioid Financial Burden on Crime Labs
In episode twelve of our 2018 Drugs Season, just Science speaks to Dr. Paul Speaker, from west Virginia University, about the economic burden our justice system has from opioid deaths. They are estimating that the crime labs alone are spending around 270 million dollars a year just on the opioid crisis. Laboratory budgets are not growing fast enough to handle this drain on resources. Listen along as Just Science delves into the data of the opioid crisis. This episode will conclude the FTCOE’s season on drugs.
Computerized Reconstruction of Fragmentary Skeletal Remains
In this webinar, we will introduce a newly developed software tool called “Fragmento”. Viewers will be able to learn how to use Fragmento to sort and assemble skeletal fragmentary remains and reconstruct the full bone and biological profile.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 3, 2018.
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Upgrading the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System: Introducing NamUs 2.0
The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) provides technology, forensic services and investigative support to resolve missing persons cases.
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Transition to Impact: Bringing Research to Practice
Enabling great research to have impact in the forensics community requires transitioning knowledge from the lab to the market. Come learn about the steps you can take to improve the likelihood of your research impacting practice.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 19, 2018.
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Supporting States to Test Sexual Assault Evidence
Crime laboratory and law enforcement personnel from three states discuss the value the NIJ-FBI Sexual Assault Kit Partnership to test sexual assault evidence and obtain investigatory leads.
During this partnership, NIJ is working with the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, to test eligible kits from law enforcement agencies and laboratories across the country and develop best practices that can improve the quality and speed of sexual assault kit processing.
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Genes of a Feather Stick Together: Evaluating Linked Markers
New DNA analysis kits used in kinship testing may contain loci that are potentially linked. This project will examine if three pairs of exhibit linkage and explore possible solutions for using these loci more appropriately in kinship testing.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 28, 2018.
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Evaluate Population-Specific Sibship During Kinship Analysis
This webinar will provide an overview of what kinship analysis programs are currently in use and will provide an in-depth analysis of how population-based allele frequency databases impact sibship determination.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 21, 2018.
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Evaluating the Use of DNA Analysis for Family Reunification
DNA analysis allows for testing relationships (kinship) between two individuals in situations that vary from legal immigration to claimed parentage testing. This webinar focuses on the applicability of DNA testing for family reunification.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 14, 2018.
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