NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories

NIJ seeks proposals for research and evaluation studies to produce practical knowledge to improve the examination and interpretation of physical evidence in forensic science laboratories across the community of practice. 

Proposals should address the research priorities and technology challenges encountered in operational forensic science laboratories identified by NIJ’s Forensic Science Strategic Research Plan and Forensic Science Research and Development Technology Working Group.  

Research-based knowledge and newly developed tools that address these priorities improve 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 funding opportunity is competitive; therefore, NIJ staff cannot have individual conversations with the prospective applicants. Any questions concerning the Funding Opportunity should be submitted to the OJP Response Center: 1-800-851-3420; TTY at 301-240-6310 (for hearing impaired only); or email [email protected]. See also NIJ.ojp.gov's Funding Opportunity FAQ page. 

The following application elements MUST be included in the application submission for an application to meet the basic minimum requirements to advance to peer review and receive consideration for funding: Proposal Narrative, Budget Detail Form (Web-based form), Curriculum Vitae/Resumes for all investigators regardless of status (i.e., PI, subaward PI, Co-PI, subaward Co-PI, co-investigator Co-I, subaward Co-I, I, and subaward-I) and project directors. Make sure to also go over the application checklist provided in the notice of funding opportunity before submitting.