In 1997, the International Forensic Research Institute was the first academic Forensic Center approved by the State of Florida to serve law enforcement efforts in the application of scientific principles to the administration of justice. The main functions of this institute are to conduct original research in forensic science, transfer technologies from other scientific disciplines for use in forensic applications, provide scientific expertise to the law enforcement and legal community, and provide needed continuing education and advanced training to practicing scientists. FIU has one of the oldest undergraduate forensic science programs in the State of Florida with the Criminalistics Chemistry program beginning in 1974, an undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Science beginning in 1997, the first State approved Master of Science in Forensic Science starting in 1998, a Professional Science Master's in Forensic Science and a recently launched PhD in Forensic Science.
The partnerships between the institute, law enforcement agencies, government laboratories and corporations result in a unique center for research and training. Dozens of institute affiliated faculty conduct research and provide forensic expertise and are complemented by over 100 scientists in the local laboratories at the Miami-Dade Police Department, the Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, the Broward Sheriff's Office, the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration Southeast Laboratory. FIU and these local forensic science laboratories have regular interactions with scientists from around the world.
The collaboration among academic forensic science research and education, government agency forensic scientists and public-oriented corporate sponsors results in a synergistic environment for the advancement of forensic science. Practicing forensic scientists provide many years of experience and expertise with real-world scientific challenges. The academic researchers provide a second arena for scientific validation that enhances the scientific defensibility of results in the courtroom and also provide student assistance to address research needs. Government laboratories provide access to additional state-of-the-art facilities and expertise.
This institute evolved from a long successful criminalistics chemistry program in the FIU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry with dozens of FIU students completing internships at the Miami-Dade Police Department's Crime Lab and other forensic science laboratories. The institute currently administers various certificates and degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Vision: To be recognized as a premier academic and research program in forensic science.
Mission: To advance forensic science through world-class education, research and outreach.
This mission is accomplished by:
- Educating and training forensic scientists
- Providing training and certification for law enforcement and the legal community
- Assisting faculty and students conduct impactful research
- Facilitating interdisciplinary studies
- Providing access to state of the art facilities for research and training
- Providing technical expertise and services to law enforcement, the legal community and general public
- Building local and worldwide partnerships including those in Latin America and the Caribbean
- To provide forensic science education, research, training and service of the highest quality
- To have integrity and ethics in the performance of our professional duties
- To assist all faculty, staff and students to attain their full potential
- To create an environment that stimulates initiative, fosters creativity and promotes pride in our work product
- To use our resources efficiently and effectively
- To maintain a safe and healthy working environment
- To foster a spirit of cooperation and caring for all affiliates of the institute
