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The Impact of NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development

NCJ Number
300422
Date Published
April 2021
Length
16 pages
Annotation

This report reviews the features, impact, and funding amounts of the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes program.

Abstract

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) gathers information about criminal justice successes, failures, and needs directly from practitioners, policymakers, and scientists to help guide its research investments. Toward that goal, NIJ supports advances in forensic science through its Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes program.

Since 2009, NIJ has invested $255 million through its Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes program, making it a global leader in the advancement of forensic science. The program, which is the largest funding initiative at NIJ, has three goals:

  1. Improve our understanding of the accuracy, reliability, and validity of forensic disciplines. 
  2. Increase the body of knowledge to guide forensic science policy and practice.
  3. Produce novel and useful materials, devices, systems, and methods.