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.
Just Footwear Impressions on Fabric
In Episode eight of our case study season, Just Science sat down with Brian McVicker, a forensic footwear and tire examiner at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to discuss developing shoe and tire impressions on fabric using ninhydrin. When a victim is stomped or run over the transfer of skin cells onto the inside of the victim's clothing can leave an impression of the shoe or tire that was used.
Just Collecting Fingerprints Without Contact
In episode seven of our case Study season Just Science sat down with Ross Krewenka product manager IDEMIA and Mike Ransom, automated print manager for the Michigan State Police, to discuss the development and use cases of contactless fingerprint capture technology. Traditionally, ink and paper are used to capture fingerprints from subjects.
Transient Workforce in Forensic Pathology: Challenges, Rewards Compressed
A roadmap to successfully utilizing contract forensic pathologists, also known as locum tenens, was presented by a Chief Medical Examiner and a Coroner with extensive experience in employing these useful contractors to perform forensic autopsies and other professional tasks in today’s environment of increasing caseloads. Topics include the forensic pathologist workforce shortage, scheduling, budgeting, fee structures, and different business models for the use of locum tenens forensic pathologists in busy Medical Examiner and Coroner offices. \
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Advancing Research and Collaboration in Forensic Science
This webinar aims to provide vital information to forensic laboratories and universities that are interested in establishing research partnerships. The session starts with a review of data-sharing agreements and their importance in collaboration. The next topic highlights research partnerships, outlining ways individuals and organizations can collaborate on research projects. The final topic explores a successful research partnership between a forensic laboratory and a university, providing valuable insights on the best practices for research collaborations.
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Just Facial Recognition for Forensic Investigations
On episode six of our case study season. Just Science sat down with Dr. Richard Vorder Bruegge, senior physical scientist at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to discuss how facial recognition technology was used to help identify individuals in photographs and two landmark cases. Many individuals encounter facial recognition technology in their everyday lives, like when they unlock their phones. The same technology can significantly speed up and improve forensic investigations. Listen, along is Dr. Vorder Bruegge describes how pattern based matching is used to compare faces and images.
Modern Death Investigation: Hub and Spoke Models for Adequate Workforce
This webinar describes the history, structure, and operations of the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The system includes four regional offices staffed by forensic pathologists supervising over 100 appointed Local Medical Examiners. Decedents requiring autopsy are transported to a regional office, while most external examinations are performed in the community by appointed Local Medical Examiners.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 7, 2023.
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Just Forensics in the Digital Age
In Episode five of our Case Studies season Just Science sat down with Justin Schorr, principal Collision reconstruction engineer, and Tim Primrose, mobile forensic analyst at E.J.S. Associates, Inc., to discuss utilizing digital evidence in real world cases. In the digital age forensic technology has broad applications for investigations from cell phones, social media accounts and car infotainment system data to three dimensional modeling for crime scene reconstruction, technology is becoming a staple in forensics. Listen, as long as Dr.
Just Adding Value Using Voice Identification
In episode four of our case study season, Just Science sat down with Josh Yonovitz, expert witness and forensic audio. To discuss the history of utilizing voice identification and investigations and the current state of forensic audio. In the 1960s, voice ID started being used in forensics, but the original voiceprint analysis used was proven to be inaccurate. Nowadays, forensic scientists use a methodology known as oral acoustic speaker identification, which is scientifically accepted but poorly understood.
Just Footwear Forensics to Further Investigations
In episode three of our case study season Just Science sat down with Laura Matson an advanced latent print and footwear examiner in the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories to discuss the value of providing footwear investigative leads. Footwear impressions are commonly found in crime scenes. However, these impressions can be difficult to detect and collect, which leads to the under-utilization of footwear evidence.
TOF/QTOF Mass Spec for Identification, Screening & Confirmation in Forensic Toxicology & Chemistry, Part I
In this specialized workshop intended for forensic science service providers (FSSPs), we explore the increasing adoption of Time-of-Flight and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOF/QTOF-MS) technologies within forensic laboratories. The session provides an in-depth examination of various critical stages, encompassing planning, validation methodologies, analytical techniques, data review processes, and report generation. Subject matter experts disseminate knowledge and share first-hand experiences related to the utilization of TOF/QTOF-MS technology.
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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.
