Forensic DNA analysis has played a crucial role in the investigation and resolution of thousands of violent crimes since the late 1980s. Currently, short tandem repeats (STRs) are the most widely used markers for forensic DNA testing. Because of their high discriminatory power, good resolution of alleles, and the ability to rapidly process samples using multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 13 STRs have been chosen as the core loci upon which the FBI's National DNA Index System (NDIS) has been built. In recent years, other genetic polymorphisms, such as those found in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome and the Y chromosome, have been shown to provide effective results that can augment traditional STR data.
The demand for tools and technologies in all areas of forensic science, including DNA testing, far exceed the current capabilities of the field. To help meet that demand, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has funded forensic DNA research and development projects for over a decade.
It is essential that the deliverables resulting from NIJ's research and development programs are of the highest value to the practitioner community. Through the DNA Forensics Technology Working Group (TWG), NIJ reaches out to the crime laboratory community to identify, discuss, and prioritize operational needs and requirements. These needs and requirements help validate NIJ's planned and ongoing DNA research and development activities, and help ensure that future technologies meet practitioner-driven needs.
Select an area of research to learn more:
