NIJ FY25 Invited to Apply - Funding to Support the Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes Program

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), has issued an invitation-only funding opportunity for forensic science research. This initiative aims to support either basic or applied research and development projects that address critical needs in the forensic science domain. The overarching goal of the NIJ is to advance scientific research that enhances public safety and strengthens the administration of justice. Through this specific program, NIJ intends to back projects that will generate foundational knowledge or develop tools and technologies with real-world forensic applications that benefit the criminal justice system. The funding opportunity focuses on supporting research that can either improve scientific understanding in forensic disciplines or lead to the creation of innovative materials, devices, systems, or methods used in the forensic sciences. Research priorities are informed by NIJ’s Forensic Science Strategic Research Plan and the needs identified through its Forensic Science Technology Working Group (TWG). These priorities reflect operational challenges faced by forensic laboratories, with the intention that funded projects will directly contribute to addressing those challenges. The scope of eligible research includes but is not limited to studies on forensic accuracy, reliability, error rates, measurement validity, and the development of tools to manage compromised physical evidence. Projects funded under this program must clearly align with at least one of three goal types: foundational/basic research, applied research, or development. Foundational research aims to expand scientific understanding within the forensic sciences, such as quantifying uncertainty in analysis results. Applied research seeks to inform policy and practice, such as evaluating the behavior of evidence in specific environmental conditions. Development-oriented projects aim to produce new forensic technologies or analytical methods, including those that increase throughput, reduce costs, or improve the accuracy of forensic analysis. The total amount available under this funding opportunity is $523,184, with a single anticipated award of the same amount. The period of performance is expected to be 12 months, starting April 1, 2026. No cost sharing or match is required. However, only one applicant, the University of Wisconsin, is eligible to apply as this is an invitation-only opportunity. Applications must be submitted through a two-step process: first, the SF-424 form must be submitted via Grants.gov by February 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Then, the complete application must be submitted in JustGrants by February 25, 2026, at 8:59 PM ET. Required application materials include a proposal narrative (up to 18 pages, with a minimum of 9 pages on project design), budget detail form, and several attachments such as biosketches, bibliography, project timeline, and data management plan. The evaluation of applications will consider technical quality, project management, potential for impact, and the applicant’s capabilities. Awardees are required to submit scholarly products, performance reports, and to archive resulting data per NIJ’s data management requirements. Dissemination efforts must include materials aimed at both scholarly and practitioner/policymaker audiences. For questions regarding the program, applicants are directed to contact Tracey Johnson at [email protected] or by phone at 202-532-5448. Questions about submission systems such as SAM.gov, Grants.gov, or JustGrants should be addressed to their respective support centers. The award is expected to be issued through the JustGrants platform, with a performance start date of April 1, 2026. Given the structured and targeted nature of this NOFO, it reflects NIJ’s commitment to strategically addressing forensic science challenges in the justice system.

Clearly align with NIJ’s goals; emphasize measurable impact and dissemination; ensure compliance with data archiving and performance tracking; follow submission instructions precisely