AFSI
Advancing the science behind justice
The Arizona Forensic Science Initiative (AFSI) is transforming forensic science into a fully empirical discipline—eliminating pseudoscience, strengthening public trust, and ensuring that evidence is scientifically sound, transparent and reproducible.
The Arizona Forensic Science Initiative is a hub at Arizona State University dedicated to supporting diverse scientists in conducting research to address grand challenges facing the legal system.
Forensic science plays a critical role in legal decision-making, influencing investigations, courtroom outcomes, and public trust in the justice system. Yet many forensic methods have historically lacked consistent scientific validation, standardized practices, or sufficient attention to cognitive and systemic bias.
AFSI addresses these challenges by advancing evidence-based approaches to forensic science.
The initiative focuses on improving the quality of forensic evidence, strengthening scientific standards, and supporting practitioners and policymakers with research that informs practice and policy.
AFSI conducts and supports research that informs forensic standards, professional training, and policy discussions at the local, national, and international levels. Recent work includes method validation studies, interdisciplinary collaborations with legal scholars and practitioners, and educational initiatives designed to translate research findings into practice.
AFSI engages a broad community of scholars, students, practitioners, and partners.
Learn about research opportunities, training programs, and mentorship.
Explore collaboration opportunities and shared projects.
Participate in events, workshops, and applied research efforts.