NIJ FY24 Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is seeking applications for funding. OJP is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthens community safety and protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for research and evaluation studies to produce practical knowledge that has the potential to improve the examination and interpretation of physical evidence in forensic science laboratories across the community of practice. This program furthers DOJ’s mission by supporting the development of new knowledge and tools to address the challenges of crime and justice in the United States. NIJ’s Forensic Science Strategic Research Plan and Forensic Science R&D Technology Working Group (TWG) identify current research priorities and technology challenges encountered in operational forensic science laboratories. Research-based knowledge and newly developed tools that work towards addressing these priorities and resolving these challenges facilitate the criminal justice community’s ability to enforce the law, promote public safety, prevent and reduce crime, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice. This program furthers DOJ’s mission to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.