The PISA Integrity Assessment Centre joins the global polygraph and scientific communities in mourning the passing of Dr. John C. Kircher, a pioneering figure whose work reshaped the landscape of psychophysiological detection of deception. His contributions, spanning decades of research, innovation, and academic leadership—have left an enduring legacy that continues to guide practitioners and researchers around the world.
Dr. Kircher was widely recognised as one of the foremost innovators in the field, co-developing technologies and methodologies that remain foundational to modern credibility assessment. His commitment to scientific rigour and ethical practice set a standard that elevated the profession internationally. Beyond his ground breaking research, he was respected for his generosity in sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and advancing the profession with integrity and humility.
Dr. Kircher’s impact on credibility assessment cannot be overstated. He approached his work with an unwavering commitment to empirical evidence and scientific rigor. In 1991 he and Dr. David Raskin introduced the world’s first computerized polygraph system, fundamentally digitizing a previously analogue field.
Decades later, his visionary thinking struck again in an unexpected setting. During a road trip to climb Mt. Rainier in 2002, Dr. Kircher and Dr. Doug Hacker conceived the idea for an ocular-motor deception test. That spark of inspiration eventually became EyeDetect, a technology that confirmed his belief that the eyes could provide a faster, non-invasive window into the truth. A few years later the Multi-Issue Comparison Test (MCT) was invented, the first credibility assessment to classify examinees as guilty or truthful on a question-by-relevant question basis. Dr. Kircher enjoyed research more than anything. He worked on a new lab study scoring algorithm until the day of his passing.
At PISA Integrity Assessment Centre, Dr. Kircher’s influence is deeply felt. Many of the tools, protocols and evidence-based approaches used within our organisation are rooted in the scientific advancements he championed. His work not only strengthened the reliability of modern assessment practices but also inspired a culture of continuous learning and innovation—values that PISA holds central to its mission.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Kircher’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. The passing of a figure of his stature is felt across the international community, yet his legacy remains firmly embedded in the continued pursuit of ethical and scientifically sound credibility assessment.
Dr. John C. Kircher leaves behind a profound and lasting contribution to the field. PISA Integrity Assessment Centre honours his memory with respect, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to uphold the standards he helped establish.
