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
- NamUs Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report
- Quantifying pairwise similarity of ignitable liquids analyzed by GC–MS: A comparison of four methods
- The Cross-Reactivity of the Cannabinoid Analogs (delta-8-THC, delta-10-THC and CBD) and their metabolites in Urine of Six Commercially Available Homogeneous Immunoassays, Grant Report
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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Cost-Benefit Analysis of Kinship Testing Involving Siblings
This webinar aims to improve the knowledge on kinship testing involving siblings, and provides a cost-benefit analysis of practices involving the use of additional reference siblings and substitution of half siblings for full siblings in kinship tests.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 7, 2018.
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Regional Fentanyl Trends, Safety
Regional fentanyl trends in Phoenix and Pittsburgh discussed along with safety concerns with unknown white powders. Handheld field testing technology was also discussed including RAMAN and IMS.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 6, 2018.
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Record Linkage of CODIS Profiles with SNP Genotypes
The NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium is a free and open meeting where attendees learn about NIJ-funded research across a variety of forensic science areas. This is one of 17 videos recorded at the 2018 symposium.
The symposium was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 18, 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.
