NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Forensic Science Systems

This NOFO seeks proposals for rigorous applied research and evaluative studies on the forensic science system. The field of forensic science is changing, particularly as technological advancements improve the criminal justice system’s ability to use forensic evidence more effectively and efficiently. Research is needed to better understand the impact of forensic science on the criminal justice system and law enforcement operations. With this NOFO, NIJ requests applications in three topic areas: • The impact of forensic science on the criminal justice system and law enforcement operations, such as improving investigative clearance rates, increasing law enforcement effectiveness, and reducing crime lab backlogs. • Evaluations of the implementation of new and innovative forensic science methods and their impact on strengthening courtroom admissibility and evidentiary reliability. • Developing the forensic science workforce.

Program Details

National Institute of Justice is a federal agency that offers the NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Forensic Science Systems grant program to support rd grants. This funding opportunity is available nationally and is administered by National Institute of Justice through Grants.gov. Organizations seeking funding for rd grants should review the details below and confirm their eligibility before preparing an application.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include educational institutions, for-profit businesses, eligible organizations, and nonprofit organizations. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and to review the full program guidelines before submission. Because eligibility rules and funding priorities can change between cycles, applicants should always confirm the current requirements with National Institute of Justice or on Grants.gov before investing time in an application.

Funding and Timeline

Funding available: $0 – $2M. Applications are due by June 2, 2026. Applicants should allow sufficient time to gather required documentation, including organizational information, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials as specified in the program guidelines. Submitting a complete application well ahead of the deadline reduces the risk of disqualification on technical or administrative grounds.

Program Focus

This grant supports rd grants. This grant is associated with NAICS industry classifications: 541720, 922120, 541715. Organizations operating in these sectors are encouraged to review eligibility. Funded projects are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with the program's stated objectives. Grant recipients may be required to submit progress reports and final evaluations as a condition of the award, and to retain records for audit and compliance purposes.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations can apply through Grants.gov. Create a free organization profile on GrantRegister to see whether this grant matches your organization's NAICS code, entity type, location, and focus area, and to receive a weekly digest of every open grant you qualify for.

GrantRegister maintains a complete, authoritative registry of US federal, state, and foundation grant opportunities — matched automatically to your organization profile and delivered every Monday.

Eligibility

• Funded by NIJ
• Programs related to applied research

Award details

Award range: $0 – $2M. Applications close on June 2, 2026.

Categories

Rd Grants