Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Forensic genetics

What is Forensic Genetics?

Forensic genetics, also known as forensic DNA analysis, examines genetic material from biological samples to identify people in forensic investigations. These samples include blood, hair, skin cells, and semen.

What is NIST’s Role?

Our experts:

  • Conduct basic research to improve forensic DNA methods, such as analysis of complex DNA mixtures and advanced sequencing techniques.
  • Create standards, reference materials and tools to help labs develop and test new DNA analysis methods.
  • Evaluate the performance of new and emerging DNA technologies.

News and Updates

Release of RM 8043 - Forensic DNA Resource Samples

NIST Releases New Forensic Genetic Reference Material to Help Crime Laboratories Analyze Challenging Cases

STRBase Web Resource Update

Blog Posts

When Scientists Become Accidental Detectives

How the O.J. Simpson Trial Inspired My Career in Forensic Science

A Summer of Science: How Our Interns Spent Their Summers in the Lab

Explainers

DNA Mixtures: A Forensic Science Explainer

View forensic genetics publications View forensic genetics research projects
Was this page helpful?