Version 1 / Date of Issue: 10.29.15 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

OSAC Research Needs Assessment Form

Title of research need: 

Keywords:

Submitting subcommittee(s): Date Approved: 

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background information:

1. Description of research need:

2. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need:

3a. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

To develop a robust understanding of the extent to which geographic and seasonal variables affect 

postmortem changes. These variables are numerous and should include those such as temperature, 

humidity, precipitation, biological/decomposer activity, housing type, and vegetation. This list of 

variables is not exhaustive and the research should be conducted in terrestrial and aquatic systems. 

Carter D.O., Metcalf J.L., Bibat A. & Knight R. (2015). Seasonal variation of postmortem microbial communities. Forensic 

Sci Med Pathol, 11, 202-207.

Dabbs, G.R., Martin D.C. (2013) Geographic variation in the taphonomic effect of vulture scavenging. J Forensic Sci, 

58:S20-S25. 

Haglund W.D., Sorg, M.H. (1997) Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains. CRC Press: Boca 

Raton, FL

Meyer J., Anderson B. & Carter D.O. (2013). Seasonal variation of carcass decomposition and gravesoil chemistry in a 

Cold (Dfa) climate. J Forensic Sci, 58, 1175-1182.

This research would help medicolegal death investigators interpret postmortem changes, which 

can differ between geography and season. This research would also result in the identification of 

geographically/seasonally unique physical evidence and decomposition processes. For example, 

some insects are only associated with certain geographies during certain seasons. Also, the rate of 

some postmortem changes are slowed or inhibited in certain geographies and seasons. 

Geographic and seasonal variation of postmortem changes

pathology, identification, cause of death, postmortem interval, decomposition

Medicolegal Death Invest 1/28/16
Version 1 / Date of Issue: 10.29.15 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

3b. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

3c. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

4. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): 

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.

Major gap 

in current 

knowledge

Minor gap 

in current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research 

is being 

conducted

I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted

II IV

Understanding the development of postmortem changes in contrasting geography and season 

could improve the ability to establish cause of death, postmortem interval, and locate clandestine 

graves. These improvements should also contribute to establishing the identity of the deceased.

The understanding of these regional differences would improve the decision-making process and 

efficiency of medicolegal death investigation. Ultimately, improved establishment of the 

postmortem interval can assist with the development of a timeline.

II
Version 1 / Date of Issue: 10.29.15 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

// Approval date:

(Approval is by majority vote of subcommittee. Once approved, forward to SAC.)

1. Does the SAC agree with the research need? Yes ⃝ No ⃝ 

2. Does the SAC agree with the status assessment? Yes ⃝ No ⃝ 

If no, what is the status assessment of the SAC:

Approval date:

(Approval is by majority vote of SAC. Once approved, forward to NIST for posting.)

Subcommittee

SAC