forensic science, the application of the methods of the natural and physical sciences to matters of criminal and civil law.
Forensic science applies scientific methods to physical evidence so that courts, investigators, and attorneys can resolve legal questions with something more concrete than witness accounts and arguments.
Forensic science comprises a diverse array of disciplines, from fingerprint and DNA analysis to the analysis of synthetic opioids and digital evidence. Forensic science plays a crucial role in our criminal justice system.
As technology advances, so do the methods of evidence extraction. Here are the top forensic science technologies in 2026.
Find out what forensic science is and what forensic scientists do. Gain insights into the educational requirements for this profession and how to prepare.
On this page, find links to articles, awards, events, publications, and multimedia related to forensic sciences. We invite you to also search the Research Forensic Library, a curated collection of publicly-accessible material relating to every discipline of the forensic sciences.
We are the oldest and largest forensic association in the world. This professional forensic association represents a diverse, knowledgeable and experienced membership that are assembled to educate, share, critique and publish methods, techniques and research in the physical forensic science disciplines. For information about IAI forensic science disciplines such as Crime Scene Investigation ...
The Conversation: Forensic science isn’t ‘reliable’ or ‘unreliable’ – it depends on the questions you’re trying to answer
After recent criticism in the US and the UK, forensic science is now coming under attack in Australia. Several recent reports have detailed concerns that innocent people have been jailed because of ...