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
- Implementation of NPS Discovery – An Early Warning System for Novel Drug Intelligence, Surveillance, Monitoring, Response, and Forecasting using Drug Materials
- Optimized, Semi-Automated Differential DNA Extraction
- Non-Contact Detection of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids: Towards a Generalized Approach to Detection of Dangerous Drug Classes
Impression Evidence: Strengthening the Disciplines of Pattern and Impression Sciences Through Research
Forensic examinations involving specific forensic science disciplines are typically dependent upon qualitative analyses and expert interpretation of observed patterns based on a scientific foundation, rather than quantitative results. These disciplines include latent fingerprints, questioned documents, footwear, and other forms of impression and pattern evidence.
Cold Case Best Practices
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Impression Evidence: Strengthening the Disciplines of Fingerprints, Firearms, Footwear, and Other Pattern and Impression Sciences Through Research
Forensic examinations involving specific forensic science disciplines are typically dependent upon qualitative analyses and expert interpretation of observed patterns based on a scientific foundation, rather than quantitative results. These disciplines include latent fingerprints, questioned documents, footwear, and other forms of impression and pattern evidence.
Sexual Assault: Obtaining DNA From Evidence Collected up to a Week Later - Panel at the 2009 NIJ Conference
Technological advances have made it possible to detect male DNA in evidentiary samples collected several days after a sexual act has taken place. Panelists will present the research that has led to these findings, followed by a discussion of the potential impact of this work from the perspectives of the sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) and the crime laboratory communities.
Making Sense of the DNA Backlog - NIJ Conference Panel
Panelists will present findings from two NIJ studies that examined the DNA backlog in law enforcement agencies and crime labs. Panelists will discuss research findings related to new and potential time- and cost-saving approaches.
DNA Evidence and Property Crimes
Expert Chat Webinar
Moderator: Katharine Browning, Ph.D., Senior Social Science Analyst, National Institute of Justice
Panelists:
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Sexual Violence and Evidence Collection
Expert Chat Webinar
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Crime File: Biology and Crime
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Variability in Blow-Fly Development - Research and Implications for PMI Practice
Dr. Leon Higley’s work to characterize blow-fly species indicates that there is variation within a single population--the bell curve is wide. Dr. Higley will share his research and discuss how the science is challenging some notions about PMI analysis.
This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 7, 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.
