A Follow-up

Posted: February 9, 2026 at 11:10 AM

A Follow-up

A subsequent report published in 2016 by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST, 2016) confirmed many of the findings in the 2009 NRC report. PCAST expressed concern about the lack of data and of foundational studies for most pattern comparison disciplines, calling for well-designed, scientifically valid studies to assess the reliability and foundational validity of these disciplines. It also stressed the need to assess the validity of methods as applied, including the performance of methods outside idealistic laboratory conditions, as well as the proficiency of the individual forensic practitioner who is applying them.