Towards Increased Data Sharing and Standardization for Illicit Drug Analysis and Monitoring Workshop Report

Published

July 7, 2026

Author(s)

Edward Sisco, Monica Joshi Kumar, Caitlin Berry, David Newton, Sarah Shuda

Abstract

Driven by the proliferation of synthetic opioids and novel psychoactive substances (NPS), the rapidly evolving illicit drug crisis requires a highly coordinated, multi-agency response. In accordance with the 2023 Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Research Act, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) convened stakeholders from law enforcement, border interdiction, forensic science, and public health for a two-day workshop in June 2025. The workshop, titled "Towards Increased Data Sharing and Standardization for Illicit Drug Analysis and Monitoring" aimed to assess the current landscape of drug surveillance data and identify pathways to overcome systemic barriers to information sharing. While diverse communities share the ultimate goal of mitigating drug-related harm, the workshop revealed that their efforts can be severely hindered by siloed data storage, inconsistent terminology, and significant administrative burdens. Despite these constraints, stakeholders universally envisioned an ideal system centered on real-time, nationally coordinated data dashboards that would allow agencies to shift from reactive mitigation to predictive prevention of emerging drug events. To achieve this vision, this report outlines a consensus-driven roadmap. It details a phased approach to overcoming technical challenges and systemic obstacles through the development of unified data standards. Recognizing NIST's unique mandate and expertise in measurement science and standardization, the report concludes with possible NIST action items, including convening a multisector data consortium, developing a standardized drug ontology, and establishing technical frameworks for data interoperability and governance.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 1500-40

Report Number

1500-40

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1500-40

Local Download

Keywords

Drug Surveillance, Data Sharing, Data Standardization, Interoperability, Illicit Drugs, Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

Citation

Sisco, E. , Joshi Kumar, M. , Berry, C. , Newton, D. and Shuda, S. (2026), Towards Increased Data Sharing and Standardization for Illicit Drug Analysis and Monitoring Workshop Report, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1500-40, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=962177 (Accessed July 8, 2026)

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