NIJ FY24 Research and Evaluation on the Impact of Technologies for Forensic Science Applications

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), an arm of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP), has announced its call for applications for the FY24 Research and Evaluation on the Impact of Technologies for Forensic Science Applications grant. This program seeks research proposals that investigate the effect of technologies used in forensic science on the broader criminal justice system.

A key NIJ goal is to further the work promoting civil rights and equity, expanding access to justice, supporting crime victims and individuals affected by the justice system, as well as strengthening community safety. Additionally, it is dedicated to encouraging trust-building measures between law enforcement and communities and ensuring the public is protected from both established and emerging criminal threats.

To fulfill this mission, the NIJ is interested in in-depth evaluations of the adoption and implementation of technological, methodological, or workflow innovations in the field of forensic science. Specifically, the research should provide insights into their impact on aspects such as backlog reduction, capacity enhancement, cost-benefit analysis, workforce development, or the efficiency of case closures.

Through this solicitation, the NIJ aims to support projects that not only adapt to changes in policies regarding the use of forensic evidence, but also hone in on the broader effects of implementing such forensic laboratory programs or practices. This grant program forms part of the DOJ’s larger commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring national security, and safeguarding civil rights.