NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Advancing the Understanding of 3D Algorithms for Firearm Identification

This opportunity seeks applications for rigorous research and evaluation projects that will:

1. Identify and inform the forensic community of best practices through the evaluation of existing and emerging laboratory protocols; and/or 2. Have a direct and immediate impact on laboratory efficiency and assist in making laboratory policy decisions.

The intent of this program is to direct the findings of this research and evaluation toward the identification of the most efficient, accurate, reliable, and cost-effective methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence for criminal justice purposes. Projects should address the challenges and needs of the forensic science community, including, but not limited to, the operational needs developed by Forensic Science Research and Development Technology Working Group (R&D TWG) meetings. More information can be found on NIJ’s website. Additional research needs of the forensic science community can be found at the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) website.

NIJ seeks proposals that include robust, creative, and multi-pronged dissemination strategies that include strategic partnerships with organizations and associations that are best equipped to ensure that research findings lead to changes in policies and practices. Applicants are encouraged to propose multidisciplinary research teams to build on the complementary strengths of different methods and areas of subject matter expertise.