FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 1

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Standard Forensic Speaker Recognition Test Data

Describe

the need:

Development of a standard forensic speaker recognition dataset for use in methodology 

validation and personnel training.

Keyword(s): Forensic speaker recognition testing data samples realistic standardized

Submitting subcommittee(s): Speaker Recognition Date Approved: February 26, 2021

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

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

Yes – it is necessary for planned forensic speaker recognition (FSR) technique validation and training standards.

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

While some FSR testing databases exist, they are of limited size, limited scope, and/or have limited access. Most are 

focused on general speaker recognition problems, or specific non-forensic niches cases. None are accepted as a 

standard for forensic technique validation.

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

TBD

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

No.

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

Development of standard FSR test data would allow the meaningful validation and comparison of FSR techniques, and 

support the standardization of FSR training, analysis, and reporting.
FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 2

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

subcommittee(s)?

A standardized set of FSR test data would help researchers focus their activities on scenarios of interest to the 

subcommittee, accelerating the development of systems pertinent to forensic activities.

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

A standardized data set is a key part of certifying the validity and performance of new and existing FSR methods, and 

would also help in identifying ineffective or fraudulent methods.

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

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

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

informational resource to the community.