Global Forensic and Justice Center

What Global Forensic and Justice Center does

The Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC) is an academic research and training center within Florida International University, formed in 2018 by combining the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC, founded 1995) and the International Forensic Research Institute (IFRI, founded 1997), which fully merged into a single unified entity in 2022. Headquartered at FIU's Modesto A. Maidique Campus in Miami with a secondary office in Largo, Florida, the center employs 55 staff and operates across four core service lines: a Next-Generation DNA Profiling Lab serving human and nonhuman DNA analysis; a Trace Evidence Analysis Lab using LA-ICP-MS, SEM, XRF, and LIBS instrumentation; a Forensic and Analytical Toxicology Lab using LC-MS/MS and GC/MS; and a Detection Dog Certification Program that has certified over 2,000 canine-handler teams since 1998 and remains the only independently validated statewide K-9 certification program in the U.S.

GFJC's revenue model is grant- and contract-driven rather than commercial: it receives funding from federal agencies (NIJ, NSF, DoD, BJA), institutional allocation from FIU, and philanthropic gifts (notably the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation for Operation Pangolin). Fee-based laboratory services are offered to academic, government, and external customers under internal and external rate schedules, and the center generates top-of-funnel awareness via a free 180-page Crime Scene Investigation Guide distributed in English and Spanish and the annual Global Forensic Science Symposium, which drew 988 registrations from 61 countries in 2025.

The center holds an extensive patent portfolio (placing it among the top 50 U.S. patent producers) covering DNA methylation assays, fabric phase sorptive extraction, paper microfluidic devices, universal detector calibrants, and cannabis field testing. Beyond traditional forensics, GFJC leads Operation Pangolin (launched February 2023, running through 2026), a multi-institutional initiative applying AI and big data to wildlife trafficking and conservation, with academic and operational partners including Oxford, USC, University of Maryland, ZSL, IUCN, and Gabon National Parks.

Name

Global Forensic and Justice Center

Legal name

Global Forensic and Justice Center

Website

https://gfjc.fiu.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Global Forensic and Justice Center is a Florida International University research center providing forensic DNA profiling, trace evidence analysis, toxicology, and canine certification services to U.S. and international law enforcement agencies, funded by federal grants, institutional support, and philanthropic gifts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Forensic Science Services

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Investigation and Personal Background Check Services (561611)

SIC

Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Forensic Science & Crime Laboratories (Justice System Support) (BPAIAFAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

GxP Audits & Supplier Qualification (GMP/GCP/GLP/GDP) (HLAGAKAE), Investigator & Site Training / GCP Support (HLAGACAF)

Keywords

• Forensic science research
• DNA profiling services
• Trace evidence analysis
• Forensic toxicology testing
• Detection dog certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Federal Research Grants and Contracts: The center receives funding from federal agencies including National Institute of Justice, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and other government sponsors to conduct forensic science research and development.
2. Laboratory Services: Fee-based analytical and testing services provided to academic, commercial, and government customers for forensic analysis, including trace evidence analysis, DNA profiling, and toxicology testing.
3. Training and Education: Continuing education and advanced training programs for practicing forensic scientists, including workshops and certification courses for detection canine teams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC) is a Florida International University research and service center that provides accredited forensic laboratory analyses, certified canine detection training, forensic science workforce development, and federally funded research in DNA profiling, trace evidence, toxicology, and wildlife forensics. Its operations support federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies through casework, expert testimony, and patent-generating applied research.

Product overview

The Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC) is an academic research and training center at Florida International University, formed in 2018 by merging the International Forensic Research Institute (IFRI) and National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC). Rather than a unified software product, GFJC offers a portfolio of laboratory services, training programs, publications, and research initiatives. Core services include the Next-Generation DNA Profiling Lab for human and nonhuman DNA analysis, Trace Evidence Analysis Lab using LA-ICP-MS and SEM instrumentation, and Forensic and Analytical Toxicology Lab. The Detection Dog Certification Program certifies law enforcement canine teams. Educational offerings include Professional Science Master's programs in forensic science and an annual Global Forensic Science Symposium. GFJC also produces the Crime Scene Investigation Guide (available free in English and Spanish), and leads Operation Pangolin, a multi-institutional AI-driven initiative for pangolin conservation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Operation Pangolin: A multidisciplinary, multi-institutional global initiative operating throughout Africa and Asia to save the world's most trafficked wild mammal (pangolin) through conservation technology, AI, and interdisciplinary science.

Products and services

• Next-Generation DNA Profiling Lab FIU laboratory offering advanced DNA profiling services, including DNA methylation assays, for forensic casework supporting law enforcement and government agencies.
• Trace Evidence Analysis Lab Forensic laboratory analyzing physical trace evidence using advanced instrumentation including LA-ICP-MS and Fabric Phase Sorptive Extraction (FPSE) to support criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
• Forensic and Analytical Toxicology Lab Laboratory providing toxicology testing and analytical services using tandem mass spectrometry and paper microfluidics for rapid screening, serving law enforcement, public health, and government clients.
• Detection Dog Certification Program (IGNED) University-based certification program for canine detection teams, validating dogs and handlers for law enforcement, conservation, and security deployments including search, rescue, and wildlife detection.
• Forensic Science Training and Workforce Development Programs Professional training, continuing education, and graduate-level academic programs in forensic science for law enforcement personnel, graduate students, and partner organizations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Certified over 2,000 canine-handler teams
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• University of OxfordcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-PI Dr. Daniel Challender leads social components of Operation Pangolin, studying pangolin harvest, use and trade in Central Africa with local communities.
• Arribada InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-PI Alasdair Davies leads technological innovation for Operation Pangolin, developing open source conservation technologies including Argos satellite transmitters.
• University of Southern CaliforniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-PI Dr. Bistra Dilkina leads big data coalescence and AI aspects, designing tools to identify patterns in wildlife trafficking using AI and data science platforms.
• University of MarylandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-PI Dr. Meredith Gore leads conservation criminology research, exploring human-environment interactions related to wildlife trafficking.
• Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (Gabon)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner coordinating scientific activities in Gabon's national parks as part of Operation Pangolin conservation efforts in Central Africa.
• ZSL (Zoological Society of London)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner for West and Central Africa, supporting government of Cameroon in protected area management and pangolin conservation.
• IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpert group providing guidance for pangolin conservation and CITES trade mechanisms. Dr. Matthew Shirley serves as Co-Chairman.
• Miami-Dade County Police DepartmentcoreOthersProvides access to over 100 scientists in local laboratories, supporting research and training through internships and collaborative projects.
• Broward County Sheriff's OfficecoreOthersAffiliated law enforcement partner providing laboratory access and collaborative research opportunities.
• Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner DepartmentcoreOthersProvides access to medical examiner facilities and expertise for forensic research and training.
• Drug Enforcement Administration Southeast LaboratorycoreOthersFederal laboratory partner providing analytical capabilities and collaborative research in drug analysis.
• Florida Highway PatrolcoreOthersCollaborative partner in contraband interdiction program and canine certification initiatives.
• Florida Department of Law EnforcementcoreOthersPartner in joint projects for canine certification and law enforcement training programs.
• Oak Ridge National LaboratorysecondaryTechnology or IntegrationGovernment national laboratory partner providing access to advanced research facilities and expertise.
• Lawrence Livermore National LaboratorysecondaryTechnology or IntegrationNational laboratory partner for collaborative research in forensic science technology.
• Los Alamos National LaboratorysecondaryTechnology or IntegrationNational laboratory partner for research collaboration and technology development.
• National Geographic SocietysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerExplorer program supporting conservation research including Operation Pangolin lead researcher Dr. Matthew Shirley as National Geographic Explorer.
• Thermo Fisher ScientificsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCorporate partner providing analytical instrumentation and technology for forensic analysis.
• AgilentsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCorporate partner providing chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment.
• Smiths DetectionsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCorporate partner for detection technologies relevant to forensic and security applications.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• NMS Labs: Leading independent forensic toxicology and clinical testing laboratory serving medical examiners, law enforcement, and courts. Directly comparable to GFJC's toxicology and analytical lab-services lines as a fee-for-service forensic lab.
• Sam Houston State University - College of Criminal Justice: One of the largest U.S. university-based forensic science programs, offering MS and PhD forensic degrees and operating the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility. Directly comparable to GFJC in academic forensic research, training, and lab-services orientation.
• TRAFFIC: Global wildlife trade monitoring network that works on illegal wildlife trade, including pangolins. Directly comparable to GFJC's Operation Pangolin mission and conservation-criminology partnerships.
• Bode Cellmark (LabCorp Specialty Testing Group): Commercial forensic DNA analysis and paternity testing provider with national coverage. Directly comparable to GFJC's Next-Generation DNA Profiling Lab services for law enforcement and legal customers.
• Idaho State University - Forensic Anthropology Program: Long-standing forensic anthropology program with active body identification, training, and research portfolio. Comparable to GFJC as a public-university forensic center with applied lab services and training offerings.
• University of Central Florida - National Center for Forensic Science: Florida state-university-affiliated forensic research center with active programs in DNA, digital evidence, and forensic science workforce development. Closely comparable to GFJC as a public-university forensic center serving law enforcement.
• Eurofins Forensic Services: Global commercial forensic services provider offering DNA, toxicology, and digital forensics. Comparable to GFJC's fee-for-service analytical offerings but with significantly broader geographic reach and commercial scale.
• University of California, Davis - Forensic Science Graduate Group: Interdisciplinary graduate group in forensic science with active DNA, toxicology, and crime scene investigation research. Directly comparable to GFJC as a public-university forensic research and training center.

Broad incumbents

• UNODC Wildlife Crime: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime program addressing illicit wildlife trafficking, including forensic capacity building for member states. Comparable to GFJC's Operation Pangolin and international forensic-science capacity-building activities.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - Forensic Sciences Division: Federal standards body that develops forensic standards, reference materials, and validation protocols. Comparable to GFJC's validation work but operates at a broader national standards level with much larger resources.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FIU_Forensics
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/fiuforensics
• Facebookfacebook.com/FIUForensics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fiuforensics
• Instagraminstagram.com/fiu_forensics

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Global Forensic and Justice Center