1) to acquire diverse images from existing datasets for use in the interlaboratory study specific objective: NC state will request access to existing government and academic institution image datasets…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded a $175,519 Cooperative Agreement under the Measurement Science and Engineering (MSE) Research Grant Program (CFDA 11.609) to North Carolina State University (NC State). The project aims to: 1) acquire diverse image datasets for an interlaboratory study on forensic image comparisons, 2) develop a questionnaire and report format to gather information from study participants, 3) engage forensic practitioners and laypersons to participate in the interlaboratory study, and 4) assess the accuracy and reproducibility of opinion categories used in forensic image comparisons. The award period is from October 1, 2023 to March 31, 2025. NC State will not subaward any funds under this Cooperative Agreement.

Expected outcomes

Identification of the practical successes and potential shortcomings of selecting an opinion category from 2022-s-0001 based on the identified degree of similarity/dissimilarity between faces, hands and clothing captured in still images, by both forensic practitioners and laypersons.

Intended beneficiaries

The public will benefit from the voluntary adoption of consensus based forensic standards by forensic science practitioners, forensic science service providers, and the broader legal community. The adoption of these forensic standards in everyday practice, can improve consistency within and across forensic science disciplines, ensure confidence in the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of laboratory results, and positively increase the impact of admissibility and expert testimony in courts of law.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.