NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Forensic Science Systems
This grant funds research to evaluate how advances in forensic science impact criminal justice, law enforcement, courtroom reliability, and workforce development.
Funder: National Institute of Justice
Due Dates: June 2, 2026 (Grants.gov) | June 9, 2026 (JustGrants)
Funding Amounts: Up to $2,000,000 total program funding; award ceiling $2,000,000; ~6 awards expected.
Summary: Supports rigorous applied research and evaluation projects to advance forensic science systems and their impact on the criminal justice system.
Description
This opportunity seeks proposals for applied research and evaluative studies focused on the forensic science system, especially as technological advancements shape the criminal justice landscape. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is interested in projects that address one or more of the following areas:
- The impact of forensic science on the criminal justice system and law enforcement operations (e.g., investigative clearance rates, law enforcement effectiveness, crime lab backlogs).
- Evaluation of new and innovative forensic science methods and their influence on courtroom admissibility and evidentiary reliability.
- Development of the forensic science workforce.
NIJ encourages research that improves the effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability of forensic science in the justice system.
