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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.

Generalizing Across Forensic Comparative Science Disciplines

January 2018

This event brought together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities.

The symposium was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 22-25, 2018.

Review the conference proceedings (pdf, 161 pages).

Transfer and Persistence of Glass Fragments: Experimental Studies Involving Vehicle and Container Glass

January 2018

This event brought together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities.

The symposium was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 22-25, 2018.

Review the conference proceedings (pdf, 161 pages).

Implementation of 3D Technology, Analysis, and Statistics for Firearm and Toolmark Examinations

January 2018

This event brought together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities.

The symposium was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 22-25, 2018.

Review the conference proceedings (pdf, 161 pages).

Statistical and Testimony from the Practitioner and Juror Point of View - Panel Discussion

January 2018

This event brought together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities.

The symposium was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 22-25, 2018.

Review the conference proceedings (pdf, 161 pages).

Statistical Approaches to Forensic Interpretation: Panel Discussion

January 2018

This event brought together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities.

The symposium was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 22-25, 2018.

Review the conference proceedings (pdf, 161 pages).

Untangling the Relationship Between Hair Microstructure and Ancestry

January 2018

This event brought together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities.

The symposium was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 22-25, 2018.

Review the conference proceedings (pdf, 161 pages).

Investigative DNA Testing Implementation

January 2018

This webinar will discuss the technical and operational aspects of implementing forensic investigative DNA testing. DNA based prediction of physical appearance can provide investigators with useful leads when a DNA profile generates no hits.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on January 16, 2018.

Collaboration in the Fight Against Fentanyl

December 2017

This webinar will identify partnerships and innovative efforts in the whole of government approach to identify and interdict fentanyl analogues, as well as to heighten awareness and strengthen legal mechanisms for dealing with the illicit fentanyl crisis.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on December 13, 2017.

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.