This grant aims to host a workshop and develop resources that describe the broad range of AI systems available and their general benefits, limitations, and applicability to forensic science use cases

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $499,484 Cooperative Agreement under the Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards (CFDA 11.609) Federal Grant Program to Research Triangle Institute (RTI International) to host a workshop, develop resources, and disseminate information on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in forensic science. Key activities include:

1. Establishing an expert working group to gather information on current AI use by forensic labs and plan an AI in Forensics workshop.

2. Hosting the AI in Forensics workshop to explore the benefits, limitations, and applicability of AI systems for forensic science use cases.

3. Developing a framework to serve as a template for forensic service providers considering AI implementation.

4. Disseminating the workshop proceedings and creating educational resources such as videos, briefs, and podcasts to improve the forensic science community's understanding of AI technology.

The expected outcomes are to enhance forensic service providers' knowledge of AI capabilities, benefits, and risks, and communicate forensic science use cases and challenges to technology developers. The award period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.

Activities

RTI international proposes four phases of work: 1) developing an expert working group to gather information related to the current use of AI by forensic labs and act as a planning committee for an AI in forensics workshop, 2) hosting a workshop on harnessing the power of AI systems in forensics, 3) developing a framework to serve as a template for forensic science service providers (fssps) who are considering AI implementation, and 4) to disseminate workshop proceeding report and multimedia educational resources such as short video, briefs, educational modules, or podcasts.

Expected outcomes

The workshop and related deliverables should serve as references to improve forensic service providers? Understanding of artificial intelligence technology benefits and risks and communicate the unique forensic science use cases and challenges to technology developers.

Intended beneficiaries

Information about the capabilities, benefits, and risks of AI systems will benefit the forensic science community. The enumeration of the forensic science processes and use cases where AI technology can be transformative will be useful to technology developers.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.