IAI General Research
The following research projects are posted by the IAI as a service to members. The IAI maintains no further information about any particular project that is posted. Listing does not constitute an endorsement by the IAI. Please correspond directly with the agency or individual doing the research.
IAI Research Listing Policies
- Research projects for posting, not to exceed 60 days. If no date is specified, the information will be removed after 60 days.
- Please make sure the posting has the name of the organization or individual doing the research.
- Please make sure your documentation includes a link to the survey
Send Posting Request To:
Glen Calhoun,COO
International Association for Identification
2131 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 403
Hollywood, FL 33020
USA
Voice: (954) 589-0628
Email: gcalhoun@theiai.org
Please send the information in electronic form (not scanned)
Research Postings Below
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Invitation to be part of a Research Study
Title of the Project: Seeking Survey Participants! Evaluating Examiner Perceptions of the Rarity of Combined Features in Palm Versus Finger Impressions
Heidi Eldridge and Christophe Champod, in partnership with RTI International, are undertaking a National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-funded study and we are seeking participants.
- Study Purpose: This study aims to assess whether the mental estimates latent print examiners (LPEs) have of the frequencies of combined minutia types in fingers and palms are similar to estimates that we calculate through counting them in actual impressions. Because LPEs rely on these estimates to assign weight to features when making suitability and sufficiency decisions, it is important that they assign an appropriate amount of weight. However, it is possible that the base frequencies of combined minutia types differ between fingers and palms, and even between different areas of the palm. Therefore, this study will count the features, survey LPEs on their perceptions, compare the two to check for alignment, then report on our findings.
- Study Eligibility: United States (including United States territories)-based LPEs who are 18 years or older are eligible to participate, including those in private practice or those who are no longer practicing but still actively provide training in latent prints.
- Survey Tool: LPE perceptions will be collected using an anonymous online survey service, which you may access using the link below. We will not collect any personally identifiable information for this study, and any email communications received regarding questions about this survey will be deleted upon our response. We are estimating that it will take 30 minutes or less to complete the survey. Before answering survey questions, you will be asked to complete an informed consent to participate. Please note that the survey must be completed and submitted in a single session. We recommend completing this survey on a computer rather than a mobile device to ensure the best user experience.
- Survey Timeline: The survey will remain open until 3pm ET on May 15, 2026.
Please click on this link to be directed to the survey: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8671158/
If you have any questions regarding this survey, please email LPResearch@rti.org
Posted 3/16/26
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Invitation to be part of a Research Study
Title of the Project: Call for Participants: Assessing Current Bloodstain Pattern Classification Methods – Surveys
This is a call for participants to be a part of research aiming to assess the current methods used for bloodstain pattern classification. Participants are being asked to contribute to two surveys that involve classifying bloodstain patterns with their current standard operating procedure for bloodstain pattern classification, and then with an alternative classification method.
These surveys are part of a larger PhD project by researcher Emma Hook at University of Staffordshire.
The purpose of the survey is to gather data on the current bloodstain pattern classification method that BPA analysts and experts use, and to assess the accuracy and reliability of theses classification methods.
Participation is open to Bloodstain Pattern Analysts from any country, but participants must be reasonably fluent in English. Please only complete the survey if your role, at some point, involves the classification of bloodstain patterns. Full eligibility criteria can be found on the survey data sheet at the link provided.
The survey is available at the following link: https://staffordshire.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5717cieuz3lQHbM
It will take about 60-90 minutes to complete, and the link will be open until the end of November 2026.
All data is anonymous and aggregated, so no individual data is collected and reported. More information can be found on the survey datasheet at the link provided.
Posted 3/5/26