NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence for Criminal Justice Purposes

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, through the National Institute of Justice, is offering a funding opportunity focused on advancing research and evaluation of artificial intelligence applications within the criminal justice system. NIJ serves as the research, development, and evaluation agency of DOJ and is committed to advancing evidence-based practices that improve public safety and uphold the rule of law. This program reflects a broader federal priority to responsibly integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into public sector decision-making, particularly in areas with significant societal impact. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support rigorous research that explores how artificial intelligence can enhance the effectiveness, accuracy, and fairness of criminal justice processes. Projects are expected to examine both the benefits and limitations of AI technologies, including potential risks, unintended consequences, and ethical considerations. Research may focus on applications in policing, courts, corrections, or related fields such as juvenile justice and victim services. The program emphasizes practical, real-world use cases and encourages partnerships between researchers and criminal justice practitioners. Funding under this opportunity totals approximately 2,500,000 dollars, with individual award amounts determined based on the scope and needs of proposed research projects. The period of performance is expected to be up to five years, allowing for comprehensive study design, implementation, and evaluation. There is no required cost sharing or matching component, although applicants may voluntarily contribute non-federal resources. Funds are intended to support research activities, including evaluation design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings, while adhering to federal guidelines on allowable costs. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes government entities at all levels, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, and for-profit organizations including small businesses. Applicants may collaborate with partners; however, a single entity must serve as the primary applicant and assume responsibility for the project. The applicant is expected to conduct the majority of the proposed work. The application process is structured as a two-stage submission. First, applicants must submit a concept paper along with the SF-424 form through Grants.gov. The concept paper outlines the proposed research idea, methodology, and budget sketch. Based on internal review and merit evaluation, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal through the JustGrants system. The full application requires detailed narrative sections, budget documentation, and supporting materials, including research design, data management plans, and evidence of collaboration. Applications are evaluated based on the strength of the research problem, methodological rigor, applicant capabilities, potential impact, and budget justification. NIJ places strong emphasis on scientific integrity and adherence to Gold Standard Science principles. Successful projects are expected to produce scholarly outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, and to share data through approved repositories. The deadline for submission of the SF-424 and concept paper is June 15, 2026, with anticipated project start dates in early 2027. Applicants may contact the OJP Response Center via phone or email for assistance throughout the application process.

Emphasize rigorous research design, demonstrate collaboration with practitioners, and clearly articulate real-world impact and policy relevance