Skip to main content    

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

**Official websites use .gov**              A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.            

**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**              A **lock** (  LockA locked padlock) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.            

https://www.nist.gov/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/osac-research-and-development-needs

            -  Topics  -  All Topics 
-  Advanced communications 
-  Artificial intelligence 
-  Bioscience 
-  Buildings and construction 
-  Chemistry 
-  Climate 
-  Cybersecurity 
-  Electronics 
-  Energy 
-  Environment 
-  Fire 
-  Forensic science 
-  Health 
-  Information technology 
-  Infrastructure 
-  Manufacturing 
-  Materials 
-  Mathematics and statistics 
-  Metrology 
-  Nanotechnology 
-  Neutron research 
-  Performance excellence 
-  Physics 
-  Public safety 
-  Resilience 
-  Standards 
-  Transportation 
 
            -  Publications 
            -  Labs & Major Programs  -  Laboratories    -  Communications Technology Laboratory 
  -  Engineering Laboratory 
  -  Information Technology Laboratory 
  -  Material Measurement Laboratory 
  -  Physical Measurement Laboratory 
-  User Facilities    -  NIST Center for Neutron Research 
  -  CNST NanoFab 
-  Research Test Beds 
-  Research Projects 
-  Tools & Instruments 
-  Major Programs    -  Baldrige Performance Excellence Program 
  -  CHIPS for America Initiative 
  -  Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) 
  -  Office of Advanced Manufacturing 
  -  Special Programs Office 
  -  Technology Partnerships Office 
 
            -  Services & Resources  -  Standards and Measurements    -  Calibration Services 
  -  Laboratory Accreditation (NVLAP) 
  -  Quality System 
  -  Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) 
  -  Standards.gov 
  -  Time Services 
  -  Office of Weights and Measures 
-  Software 
-  Data    -  Chemistry WebBook 
  -  National Vulnerability Database 
  -  Physical Reference Data 
  -  Standard Reference Data (SRD) 
-  Storefront 
-  License & Patents 
-  Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC) 
-  NIST Research Library 
 
            -  News & Events  -  News 
-  Events 
-  Blogs 
-  Feature Stories 
-  Awards 
-  Video Gallery 
-  Image Gallery 
-  Media Contacts 
 
            -  About NIST  -  About Us    -  Leadership 
  -  Organization Structure 
  -  Budget & Planning 
-  Contact Us 
-  Visit 
-  Careers    -  Student programs 
-  Work with NIST 
-  History    -  NIST Digital Archives 
  -  NIST Museum 
  -  NIST and the Nobel 
-  Educational Resources 
 

## The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science

-  About Us  Expand or Collapse    -  What We Do 
  -  Organizational Structure  Expand or Collapse      -  Forensic Science Standards Board 
    -  Scientific Area Committees 
    -  Subcommittees 
    -  FSSB Resource Task Groups 
  -  Stakeholders 
  -  Governing Documents 
-  How To Work With Us  Expand or Collapse    -  Standards Open for Comment 
  -  Apply to Join OSAC 
-  OSAC Registry  Expand or Collapse    -  Registry Approval Process  Expand or Collapse      -  Legacy Process for Registry Approval 
    -  STR Process 
    -  STRP Members & Reports 
  -  Public Comments 
-  Registry Implementation  Expand or Collapse    -  Implementers 
  -  Implementation Resources 
  -  Implementation Open Enrollment 
-  Other OSAC Work Products  Expand or Collapse    -  OSAC Lexicon 
  -  Research and Development Needs 
  -  Technical Guidance Documents 
-  News & Communications  Expand or Collapse    -  OSAC News 
  -  OSAC Standards Bulletin 
  -  OSAC Newsletter 
  -  OSAC Events 
-  Standards Resources  Expand or Collapse    -  Access to Standards 

# OSAC Research and Development Needs

## Share

Facebook

Linkedin

Twitter

Email

Forensic science standards are created to help address a certain need within a specific discipline. As a standard is being drafted, other needs and ideas may be uncovered that lend to future research and development activities.

OSAC documents and publicly shares with the forensic science community any research and development (R&D) needs that are identified during the standards development process. These needs may benefit a wide variety of stakeholders both associated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and external to the agency. For example, R&D needs can help inform NIST researchers and NIST’s Forensic Science Center of Excellence, also known as the Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Science (CSAFE), of valuable projects to consider as they perform research to advance the practice of forensic science. They can also serve as useful input for the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) when making decisions about funding opportunities as NIJ awards various grants and agreements for research, development and evaluation projects that support the forensic science community. Additionally, universities that sponsor forensic science programs with research components can leverage these needs for undergraduate and graduate student research projects that will provide a tangible benefit for the field.

The following R&D needs have been identified by OSAC’s subcommittees. OSAC encourages agencies to consider them when developing new solicitations and research projects so that efforts can be strategically advanced in areas where they are needed most.

----

Biology | Chemistry: Seized Drugs & Toxicology | Chemistry: Trace Evidence | Digital/Multimedia | Medicine | Physics/Pattern Interpretation | Scene Examination

----

### Biology

#### **Human Forensic Biology**

                  - Applications of the Microbiome in DNA Transfer and Human Identification
                  - Assessing DNA Background and Transfer Scenarios in Forensic Casework
                  - Best Practices to Minimize Potential Biases in the Generation and Interpretation of DNA Profiles
                  - Best Practices for Reporting Likelihood Ratios or Other Probabilistic Results in Court
                  - Characterization, Development and Validation of Methods in Single Cell Isolation and Analysis
                  - Characterization, Optimization and Comparison of DNA Sequencing Methods
                  - Characterizing the Presence and Prevalence of Cell-Free DNA
                  - Development of Infrastructure to Compile and Share Raw Electronic Data for Training and Tool Development
                  - Efficiency, Throughput and Speed Improvements in Rapid DNA Instrumentation Through the Development of Direct PCR Methods
                  - Efficient Collection of DNA at the Scene and from Evidence Items
                  - Establishing the Value and Designing a Process for Including Flanking Region SNPs in Massive Parallel Sequencing Based on STRP Casework
                  - Improving the Recovery of Male DNA from Sexual Assault Kits
                  - Methods in Forensic Genealogy
                  - Non-PCR Based Methods for DNA Amplification and/or Detection
                  - Optimization of DNA Extraction for Low Level Samples
                  - Software Solutions for Low Template and High Order DNA Mixture Interpretation in Sequence and Fragment-Based Methods
                  - Software Solutions for Y-STR Mixture Deconvolution
                  - Solutions in Phenotyping and Ancestry Analyses

#### Wildlife Forensic Biology

                  - Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
                  - Development and Validation of STR/SNP Panels (including any necessary allelic ladders and databases) for Current Species of Forensic Interest
                  - Development of New Technologies for Discovery and Characterization of Forensically Useful Markers of Relevant Species' Biogeography
                  - Development of Proteomic Techniques and Databases for Species and Sex Identification When Forensically Useful DNA is Not Available
                  - Methods for Distinguishing Captive-Bred from Wild Individuals
                  - Probabilistic Genotyping of Wildlife STRs Using ANSI/ASB Standard 018
                  - SNP Panel Development and Genotyping Methods Practical for Wildlife Forensics
                  - Species-Specific Mitochondrial Primers for Taxonomic Identification
                  - Verifying the Accuracy of Sequences in Public Databases for Forensic Taxonomic Identification of Diverse Biological Materials

### Chemistry: Seized Drugs & Toxicology

#### Forensic Toxicology

                  - Alternative Matrices
                  - Cannabinoids
                  - Data Analytics in Forensic Toxicology
                  - Emerging Drugs of Abuse and Therapeutic Agents
                  - Herbal and Dietary Supplements and Plant-Based Toxins
                  - Human Factors Toxicology
                  - Laboratory Automation
                  - Postmortem Distribution and Redistribution
                  - The Role and Impact of Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics in Forensic Toxicology

#### Seized Drugs

                  - Identifying Potential Isomers of New Emerging Drugs
                  - Limitations of Field Techniques in Laboratory Analysis
                  - Optimal Derivatization Techniques

### Chemistry: Trace Evidence

#### Ignitable Liquids, Explosives, & Gunshot Residue

                  - Concentration of Extracts Containing Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP)
                  - Evaluation and Quantitative Comparison of Different Extraction Methodologies for Ignitable Liquids
                  - Identifying Post-blast Residue of Liquid Explosives
                  - Evaluation of Preservation and Storage Conditions for Ignitable Liquid Extracts from Fire Debris Samples
                  - Prevalence of Characteristic and Consistent GSR Particles
                  - Comprehensive Feasibility of Organic Gunshot Residue Analysis
                  - Comprehensive GSR Persistence Study
                  - Comprehensive pGSR Transfer Study
                  - Development of Characterized GSR Reference Stubs
                  - Development of New/Novel GSR Method(s) for Specific Identification of Shooters
                  - Quantitative Metrics for GSR Analysis
                  - Statistical Framework for Method Optimization and Development of GC-MS and LC-MS Systems

#### Trace Materials

                  - Development of Quantitative Assessment and Evaluation of Error Rates in Physical Fit Determinations of Trace Materials
                  - Discrimination of Duct Tape Fibers by Fluorescence Microscopy
                  - Interlaboratory Study of the Microspectrophotometry of Fibers
                  - Fiber Population Studies
                  - Fluorescence in Forensic Fiber Examinations
                  - Textile Damage Caused by Animal Attacks
                  - Assessing Heterogeneity of Soils at a Site
                  - Evaluation of Current Methodologies in Forensic Soil Examinations
                  - Assessment of the Sources of Variability for the Analysis of Small Glass Fragments
                  - Cross-validation of Current and New Micro-XRF Technology for the Forensic Analysis of Modern Glass
                  - Improvement in the Interpretation of Glass Evidence
                  - Genetic Ancestry, Proteomics, and Hair Morphology
                  - Discrimination and Evidential Value of Architectural and Maintenance Paints
                  - Discrimination Studies on Electrical Tapes
                  - Study and Database of Automotive Refinish Paint Binder Systems
                  - Understanding Photodegradation Induced Differences in Coatings
                  - Characterization of Automotive Vinyl Wraps

### Digital/Multimedia

#### Digital Evidence

                  - There are no research and development needs identified by the Digital Evidence Subcommittee. 

#### Facial & Iris Identification

                  - Evaluation into the Validity of Facial Comparison Training Methods
                  - Human Factors in Facial Image Comparison
                  - Proper Monitor Selection and Setup for Forensic Image Examinations
                  - Validation of the "Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults" Document
                  - Iris Image Dataset Collections

#### Speaker Recognition

                  - Effect of Specific Data Variations on Forensic Speaker Recognition Results
                  - Standard Forensic Speaker Recognition Test Data
                  - Synthetic Speech Detection

#### Video/Imaging Technology & Analysis

                  - Authentication of PDF Documents
                  - Detecting Deepfakes
                  - Determination of the Size of the Smallest Detail Required for Tire and/or Shoe Comparisons
                  - Evaluation of Native File Formats Compared to Open Video File Formats from DVRs
                  - Factors Affecting Image Quality When Extracting a Still from Video
                  - Hand Detail Comparisons Black Box and White Box Studies
                  - Reliability of Wireless Video Data Transfer
                  - Software Validation Repository
                  - Vehicle Comparison Black Box and White Box Study
                  - Vehicle Year, Make and Model Analysis Black Box and White Box Study

### Medicine

#### Forensic Anthropology

                  - Controlled Experimental Bone Trauma Studies
                  - Healing Rates of Skeletal Injury, Especially in Children
                  - Stable Isotope Analysis as a Geospatial Tool for Identification
                  - Validation Studies of Technologies (ex. ground penetrating radar, remote sensing, and) Recovery Techniques in Forensic Anthropology
                  - Population Frequency Data for Radiologic Identification

#### Forensic Nursing

                  - Alternate Light Source (ALS) Findings During a Forensic Examination and the Use of an ALS During Examination of Patients Presenting for the Collection of a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit
                  - Indicators for Computer Tomography Angiography (CTA) Following Non-Fatal Strangulation
                  - Optimization of DNA Evidence Collection Following Oral Sexual Assault
                  - Optimization of DNA Evidence Collection Following Oral Sexual Assault and Activities that Inhibit DNA Detection

#### Forensic Odontology

                  - 3D Imaging of Patterned Injuries on Human Skin
                  - Critical Comparison of Dental Age Assessment Methods
                  - Development of 3D Databases of Human Dentitions
                  - Phenotyping of Tooth Shape and Tooth Color
                  - Quality & Quantity of Concordant Features Required for Human Identification
                  - Reliability of Bitemark Analysis Methodology
                  - Specific Population Studies in Dental Age Assessment

#### Medicolegal Death Investigation

                  - Assessing the Utility of Autopsy in Contentious Medicolegal Categories of Death
                  - Composite Quantification of Contextual Decedent Identification Criteria
                  - Forensic Pathologist and Forensic Anthropologist Partnerships in Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices
                  - Increase in Forensic Pathology Workforce
                  - Medicolegal Death Investigator Workload Analysis
                  - Modeling of Mass Fatality Incident Missing Person and Victim Data
                  - Partnership with Hospitals in Delayed Drug-Related Deaths
                  - Pediatric Forensic Pathology to Improve the Accuracy of Cause and Manner of Death Certification
                  - Radiologic Imaging Technology
                  - Scene Safety for Medicolegal Death Investigators
                  - Understanding Cognitive Bias in DVI Operations
                  - Understanding the Genetic Risks of Sudden Death

### Physics/Pattern Interpretation

#### Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

                  - Behavior of Blood Outside the Body                     - Addendum to Behavior of Blood Outside the Body
                  - Differentiating Spatter from Transfer on Textiles                     - Addendum to Differentiating Spatter from Transfer on Textiles
                  - Method Development for Bloodstain Pattern Classification                     - Addendum to Method Development for Bloodstain Pattern Classification
                  - White Box Studies on Bloodstain Pattern Analysts                     - Addendum to White Box Studies on Bloodstain Pattern Analysts

#### Firearms & Toolmarks

                  - Assessment of Examiners' Toolmark Categorization Accuracy
                  - Blind Verifications Needs Assessment
                  - Cognitive Bias: To What Extent Does It Affect Firearm and Toolmark Comparison Outcomes
                  - Comparison of Toolmarks on 3D Printed Components
                  - Consistency of Examiner Evaluation of Distance Determination GSR Patterns
                  - Evaluation of Examiner Conclusions Utilizing a Five-Point Scale
                  - Study to Assess the Accuracy and Reliability of Firearm and Toolmark Examinations

#### Footwear & Tire

                  - Comparison Algorithms for Footwear Forensics
                  - Determination of the Size of the Smallest Detail Required for Tire and/or Shoe Comparisons
                  - Development of Improved Multi-Use Casting Materials
                  - Development, Testing and Validation of 3D Imaging Technologies for Footwear & Tire Impression Evidence
                  - Examiner Reliability Study: White Box Study on Footwear and Tire Examiners                     - This is a revision to the previously listed R&D need,  Examiner Reliability Study: Black/White Box Study on Footwear and Tire Examiners
                  - National Footwear Database                     - This is a revision to the  previously listed R&D need . 
                  - Population Frequency of Class Characteristics: Footwear in the United States
                  - Prevalence/Yield of Footwear Impressions from Crime Scenes
                  - Probability of Randomly Acquired Characteristics
                  - Rarity and Discriminating Potential of Wear Characteristics
                  - Size Determinations from Questioned Footwear Impressions
                  - Validation of Interpretation Scales for Footwear and Tire Forensics

#### Forensic Document Examination

                  - Comparability and Complexity in Handwriting
                  - Hand Printing Complexity and Comparability
                  - National Database of Handwriting
                  - Validation of Conclusion Scale

#### Friction Ridge

                  - ACE-V Bias
                  - Assessing the Sufficiency and Strength of Friction Ridge Features
                  - Close Non-Match Assessment
                  - Complexity in Analysis and Comparison of Friction Ridge Impressions
                  - Culture, Communication, Comprehension and Psychology in Friction Ridge Evidence
                  - Determination of the Relevance of Marks to an Incident in Question Through Age and Activity Estimation
                  - Development and Processing Techniques
                  - Examiner Consistency During Friction Ridge Feature Mark-Up
                  - Friction Ridge Statistical Modeling
                  - Latent Fingerprint Image Quality Usage
                  - Personnel Selection and Retention of Friction Ridge Science Practitioners
                  - Technical Review and Verification

### Scene Examination

#### Crime Scene Investigation & Reconstruction

                  - Assessing the Culture of Contextual Bias in Forensic Scene Evidence Collection, Handling, and Processing
                  - Assessment of Level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required at Crime Scenes
                  - Crime Scene Research: Creation of a Centralized Searchable Database
                  - CSI Minimum Crime Scene Response Staffing
                  - Decontamination of Crime Scene Equipment
                  - Effects of On-scene Fatigue on Crime Scene Investigators
                  - Laboratory Techniques and Technologies at the Crime Scene
                  - Quality Assurance Framework for Crime Scene Investigation 
                  - Use of Technology for Crime Scene Documentation

#### Dogs & Sensors

                  - Canine Performance and Training
                  - Development of Methods for Monitoring Levels of Contamination of Aids
                  - Development of Reliable Surrogate Aids
                  - Evaluation of Dissipation of Odorant
                  - Identification of Odorant Chemicals Present In and Above Targets
                  - Integration of Canine and Instrumental Detectors

#### Fire & Explosion Investigation

                  - Arc Mapping
                  - Developing Tools for Evaluation of Fuel Characteristics
                  - Dissemination of ATF Fire Research Laboratory Data
                  - Effect of Nonrelevant Data on Origin and Cause Determination
                  - Extracting Event-Relevant Data from Electronic Sources
                  - Fire Investigation Component of Publicly Funded Compartment Fire Research
                  - Material Property Impacts on Fire Patterns
                  - Repository of Fire Investigation Research
                  - Room Size Impacts on Fire Patterns
                  - Validation of Origin and Cause Determination Protocols
                  - Ventilation Impacts on Fire Patterns
                  - Witness Information for Fire & Explosion Scenes

Forensic Science

### HEADQUARTERS

301-975-2000

Webmaster | Contact Us | Our Other Offices

TwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGiphyRSS FeedMailing List

Feedback

            -  Site Privacy 
            -  Accessibility 
            -  Privacy Program 
            -  Copyrights 
            -  Vulnerability Disclosure 
            -  No Fear Act Policy 
            -  FOIA 
            -  Environmental Policy 
            -  Scientific Integrity 
            -  Information Quality Standards 
            -  Commerce.gov 
            -  Science.gov 
            -  USA.gov 
            -  Vote.gov