Recognition in the community: Applications now open for the 2026 Magnet Forensics Scholarship & Agency Impact Awards!
The talent and dedication across the DFIR field is a constant source of amazement to us at Magnet Forensics. We’re proud to have an opportunity to recognize exceptional people in the field of digital investigations through the Magnet Forensics Scholarship and Agency Impact Award—and nominations for both are now open!
Magnet Forensics Agency Impact Award
The Agency Impact Award is given to honor the tremendous work of public safety agencies around the world. Presented at Magnet User Summit, the award is a testament to the unwavering commitment of agencies across the globe that leverage cutting-edge digital forensic technology to solve cases, protect victims, and ensure justice prevails.
Last year’s recipient was New York State Police (NYSP), who were selected because of their unwavering commitment to protecting communities and advancing digital forensics to unlock the truth and protect the innocent.
And now nominations are open for this year’s award! Submissions are self-nominating and should include:
- Community impact: Demonstrated positive outcomes for public safety or justice
- Technical innovation: Creative or advanced use of Magnet Forensics tools
- DFIR community contribution: Examples of mentorship, speaking, publishing, or training others
- Collaboration and leadership: Multi-agency teamwork or cross-jurisdictional efforts
- Case success: Major or complex cases with real-world outcomes (e.g., rescued victims, arrests)
Learn more about how you can nominate your agency for the award here!
Magnet Forensics Scholarship Awards
Magnet Forensics is looking to increase diversity and help agencies address a talent shortage in digital forensics, so if you’re an officer that wants to enter the field of—or advance in—digital forensics, this is your chance.
Learn more about the 2026 awards below and apply before October 16, 2025.
Who can apply
There are two categories awarded in the Magnet Forensics Scholarship Program: new to digital forensics and advanced.
New to digital forensics is aimed at promising officers who are looking to move into a new field and start in the field of digital forensics.
The advanced category is for experienced investigators who have no experience with Magnet Axiom and want to take the opportunity to really explore how powerful it can be in their investigations and how they can really harness its capabilities. This can also be a valuable opportunity for investigators to learn more about Magnet Graykey (for those at agencies that currently use it.)
What recipients can receive
- Access to a full curriculum of digital forensics training required to become a digital investigator
- Eligibility to earn leading digital forensics certifications, including:
- Magnet Certified Forensic Examiner (MCFE)
- Magnet Certified Graykey Examiner (MCGE)
- Magnet Certified Verakey Examiner (MCVK)
- Magnet Certified Griffeye Examiner (MCGF)
- Magnet Certified macOS Examiner (MCME)
- Magnet Certified Cloud Examiner (MCCE)
- Magnet Certified Authenticity Examiner (MCAE)
- Magnet Certified Video Examiner (MCVE Witness)
- Magnet Mobile Certified Examiner (MMCE)
- A one-year license of Magnet Axiom
Interested in applying? You can fill out this form, which will also need to include your current resume, a cover letter explaining your interest and how you meet the program’s objectives and a letter of reference from a supervisor or leader within your agency. A list of FAQ’s can be found here.
In honor of Sgt. Steve Martin
With the Magnet Forensics Scholarship Program, we’re proud have the award named in honor of an officer who committed his career to the fight against child sexual exploitation: Sgt. Steve Martin.
Sgt. Martin joined the Peel Regional Police in 2003, beginning his career on uniform patrol. He would go on to serve with the agency’s neighborhood policing unit and its Criminal Investigation Bureau before joining its Internet Child Exploitation unit in 2013.
He died in January 2021, at the age of 40, after a long bout with cancer, leaving behind his wife and six-year-old daughter.
Learn more about previous winners
We’re proud to have given multiple investigators of various existing skill level a unique opportunity to advance their knowledge in digital forensics. Our 2023 winners included:
Advanced
- Delanie Zohler, Digital Forensic Laboratory of Lehigh County, United States
- Abhinav Biswas, ECIL, India
- Elton Haska, Albanian State Police, Albania
New to Forensics
- Nicholas Gray, Petersburg Bureau of Police, United States
- James Holmes, Wright City Police Department, United States
- Sarah Hoy Spalding, Berry Street Victoria, Australia
Learn more about the 2025 winners in these Q&As.
Apply before October 16, 2025.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Magnet Forensics Scholarship Program page and be sure to get your application in before October 16. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to ScholarshipProgram@magnetforensics.com.