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                            Funding & Awards
 Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, Fiscal Year 2021
Note:
              This awardee has received supplemental funding. This award detail page includes information about both the original award and supplemental awards.
Award Information
Awardee
              RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE
Award #
              15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU
Funding Category
              Competitive Discretionary
Location
                    RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC
Congressional District
              4
Status
              Open
Funding First Awarded
              2021
Total funding (to date)
              $10,400,000
Original Solicitation
              Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, Fiscal Year 2021
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2021, $4,200,000)
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) supports the forensic science research and development program of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) through efforts to transition technologies from research into practice. RTI International has partnered with NIJ on the FTCOE since 2011 to provide objective support to forensic science stakeholders. As a world-renowned research institute, RTI has assembled a wide range of academic partners (including FEPAC-accredited partners), forensic laboratories, and practitioners to accomplish NIJ’s objectives and to satisfy the needs of the forensic and criminal justice communities. The FTCOE advances technology through the assessment of NIJ research & development programs for testing, evaluation, technology transition and implementation, dissemination, and collaborative partnerships. It shares knowledge about evidence-based best practices using a wide variety of strategies, including forums, reports, webinars, blended live and online meetings, podcasts, social media, and its website. The FTCOE also addresses challenges to the forensic science community by promoting the exchange of ideas and connecting researchers, practitioners, industry, and other stakeholders in open dialogues at conferences. During the proposed period of performance, and subject to NIJ direction under the cooperative agreement, the RTI Team will provide technology assistance, facilitate the demonstration of new technologies, provide access to research and educational materials, and develop and communicate the social impact of forensic science to the field. Along with the NIJ, the RTI Team will work to develop criteria to evaluate these and other programs. proposed initiatives such as technology implementation workshops and assistance programs, in-field evaluations, guides for best practices, and interlaboratory comparison studies will help guide research dissemination and technology assistance. By directly engaging the community through discussions among laboratory directors and researchers (FLNTWG, Virtual Round Tables), participating in national conferences with practitioners (AAFS, ASCLD, IAI, IACME), working with legal professionals (Expert Witness Workshops), and assisting the medicolegal community (Workload Analysis), the FTCOE will provide a stable platform for NIJ initiatives. Proposed outreach activities (guidance documents, forums) specifically designated for diverse populations would promote inclusion within the forensic community. Development of a National Forensic Science Library and additional library based repositories (scholarly products, validated methods, forensic court decisions, laboratory standard operating procedures) by the FTCOE would provide researchers, laboratory directors, and practitioners invaluable, easily searchable resources. NIJ and its FTCOE team will work toward a new strategic future of providing evidence-based resources about forensic technologies and emerging challenges to enable forward-leaning methods to agilely drive innovation.
Supplemental Award 1 (Fiscal Year 2022, $4,000,000)
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) supports the forensic science research and development program of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) through efforts to transition technologies from research into practice. RTI International has partnered with NIJ on the FTCOE since 2011 to provide objective support to forensic science stakeholders. As a world-renowned research institute, RTI has assembled a wide range of academic partners (including FEPAC-accredited partners), forensic laboratories, and practitioners to accomplish NIJ’s objectives and to satisfy the needs of the forensic and criminal justice communities. The FTCOE advances technology through the assessment of NIJ research & development programs for testing, evaluation, technology transition and implementation, dissemination, and collaborative partnerships. It shares knowledge about evidence-based best practices using a wide variety of strategies, including forums, reports, webinars, blended live and online meetings, podcasts, social media, and its website. The FTCOE also addresses challenges to the forensic science community by promoting the exchange of ideas and connecting researchers, practitioners, industry, and other stakeholders in open dialogues at conferences. During the proposed period of performance, and subject to NIJ direction under the cooperative agreement, the RTI Team will provide technology assistance, facilitate the demonstration of new technologies, provide access to research and educational materials, and develop and communicate the social impact of forensic science to the field. Along with the NIJ, the RTI Team will work to develop criteria to evaluate these and other programs. proposed initiatives such as technology implementation workshops and assistance programs, in-field evaluations, guides for best practices, and interlaboratory comparison studies will help guide research dissemination and technology assistance. By directly engaging the community through discussions among laboratory directors and researchers (FLNTWG, Virtual Round Tables), participating in national conferences with practitioners (AAFS, ASCLD, IAI, IACME), working with legal professionals (Expert Witness Workshops), and assisting the medicolegal community (Workload Analysis), the FTCOE will provide a stable platform for NIJ initiatives. Proposed outreach activities (guidance documents, forums) specifically designated for diverse populations would promote inclusion within the forensic community. Development of a National Forensic Science Library and additional library based repositories (scholarly products, validated methods, forensic court decisions, laboratory standard operating procedures) by the FTCOE would provide researchers, laboratory directors, and practitioners invaluable, easily searchable resources. NIJ and its FTCOE team will work toward a new strategic future of providing evidence-based resources about forensic technologies and emerging challenges to enable forward-leaning methods to agilely drive innovation.
    Supplemental Award 2 (Fiscal Year 2023, $2,200,000)
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) supports the forensic science research and development program of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) through efforts to transition technologies from research into practice. RTI International has partnered with NIJ on the FTCOE since 2011 to provide objective support to forensic science stakeholders. As a world-renowned research institute, RTI has assembled a wide range of academic partners (including FEPAC-accredited partners), forensic laboratories, and practitioners to accomplish NIJ’s objectives and to satisfy the needs of the forensic and criminal justice communities. The FTCOE advances technology through the assessment of NIJ research & development programs for testing, evaluation, technology transition and implementation, dissemination, and collaborative partnerships. It shares knowledge about evidence-based best practices using a wide variety of strategies, including forums, reports, webinars, blended live and online meetings, podcasts, social media, and its website. The FTCOE also addresses challenges to the forensic science community by promoting the exchange of ideas and connecting researchers, practitioners, industry, and other stakeholders in open dialogues at conferences. During the proposed period of performance, and subject to NIJ direction under the cooperative agreement, the RTI Team will provide technology assistance, facilitate the demonstration of new technologies, provide access to research and educational materials, and develop and communicate the social impact of forensic science to the field. Along with the NIJ, the RTI Team will work to develop criteria to evaluate these and other programs. proposed initiatives such as technology implementation workshops and assistance programs, in-field evaluations, guides for best practices, and interlaboratory comparison studies will help guide research dissemination and technology assistance. By directly engaging the community through discussions among laboratory directors and researchers (FLNTWG, Virtual Round Tables), participating in national conferences with practitioners (AAFS, ASCLD, IAI, IACME), working with legal professionals (Expert Witness Workshops), and assisting the medicolegal community (Workload Analysis), the FTCOE will provide a stable platform for NIJ initiatives. Proposed outreach activities (guidance documents, forums) specifically designated for diverse populations would promote inclusion within the forensic community. Development of a National Forensic Science Library and additional library based repositories (scholarly products, validated methods, forensic court decisions, laboratory standard operating procedures) by the FTCOE would provide researchers, laboratory directors, and practitioners invaluable, easily searchable resources. NIJ and its FTCOE team will work toward a new strategic future of providing evidence-based resources about forensic technologies and emerging challenges to enable forward-leaning methods to agilely drive innovation.


  
Grant-Funded Publications
        
                      Just Science Podcast: Just Lessons Learned in Forensic Technology Transition
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Building Partnerships to Advance Forensic Technology
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Enhancing Research to Improve Tech Transition
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Improving Forensic Technology Transition
                  A Landscape Study of Computed Tomography Scanners for Postmortem Applications
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Collecting Fingerprints Without Contact
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Facial Recognition for Forensic Investigations
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Footwear Impressions on Fabric
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Forensics in the Digital Age
                  A Roadmap to Improve Research and Technology Transition in Forensic Science
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Adding Value Using Voice Identification
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Investigating a No-Body Homicide in Canada
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Collaboration in Forensic Research
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Embracing Imperfection in Forensic Science
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Thriving in a Forensic Workplace
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Workplace Stress and Its Impact on Decision-Making in Forensics
                  Just Science Podcast: Just DNA Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
                  Just Science Podcast: Just DNA Searches in CODIS
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Improved Response to Sexual Assault
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Sexual Assault Response in Indigenous Communities
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Certification for Death Investigation
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Family Support During Death Investigations
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Lending a Hand During Autopsy Exams
                  Just Science Podcast: Just DNA Results in Rapid Time
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Internships for Death Investigation
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Investigative Support for Indigenous Communities
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Managing Mass Fatality Incidents
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Teeth and Technology
                  Sampling and recovery of ignitable liquid residues (ILRs) from fire debris using capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) for on-site analysis
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Identifying Gacy's Victims Part 1
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Identifying Gacy's Victims Part 2
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Identifying Lake Erie John Doe
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Autopsy Results and Crime Scene Reconstruction
                  Multi-isotopes in human hair: A tool to initiate cross-border collaboration in international cold-cases
                  An Introduction to Forensic Genetic Genealogy Technology for Forensic Science Service Providers
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Identifying Decedents through Postmortem Prints
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Identifying Individuals with Forensic Genetic Genealogy
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Leveraging Databases for Human Identification
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Using Forensic Art and Anthropology for Identification
                  American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Accreditation Initiative: Successes, Challenges, and Future Directions
                  Helping Identify Potential Drug-Related Deaths: What to Tell the Coroner or Medical Examiner's Office
                  Just Science Podcast: Just a Curious Case of Print Persistence
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Forensic Archaeology and Body Dump Sites
                  Just Science Podcast: Just Solving Cold Cases with Forensic Genetic Genealogy
                  Just Science Podcast: Just the Forensic Laboratory Workforce Part 2
                  Identifying forensically relevant urban scavengers in Johannesburg, South Africa




  
Grant-Funded Events
        
                      Hair Root Staining – What Can Hematoxylin Do for Your Laboratory?
                  2022 NIJ Forensic Science Graduate Research Symposium
                  Skeletal Sex Estimation and Practitioner Use of MorphoPASSE
                  Forensic Fractography of Bone: A New Model for Skeletal Trauma Analysis
                  Transition Analysis 3 Age-at-Death Estimation: Past, Present, and Future
                  Digital Caseload Processing with the NIST National Software Reference Library
                  Age Estimation from the Pubic Symphysis: Back to Basics
                  The State of Standard Development & Tools for Assessing and Implementing Standards
                  Dental Morphology: The Informative but Lesser-Known Traits
                  2023 NIJ Forensic Science R&D Symposium
                  Stress, Trauma, and Burnout in Forensic Scientists
                  Low Prosecution Rates in Sexual Assault Cases: Can We Make Sustainable Improvements?
                  Vaping in the Weeds: The Merging of the E-cigarette and Cannabis Industries
                  Qualifications of an Expert Witness for Legal Professionals (Part II: The Frye Standard)
                  Qualifications of an Expert Witness for Legal Professionals (Part I: The Daubert Standard)
                  Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) for Seized Drug Analysis
                  FBI Laboratory Decision Analysis Studies in Pattern Evidence Examinations
                  DEIA: What I learned from the AAFS Diversity Outreach Committee

  
Date Created: September 28, 2021
    
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