- How do I upload my Family Tree DNA results to the National Geographic Genographic project? faq id: 297
Once results are available, a Genographic Project tab will appear on the personal page. Click this tab and check the “I agree” box if you agree to the consent form. The next screen will show the participant''s information, the $15 charge for transferring results and the test to be transferred. Credit card is accepted for payment online. However, you may also send us a check by mail, with a note indicating that you would like us to add your results to the Genographic Project. Once we do the transfer, you will receive an email notification with your GPID (Genographic ID). The $15 transfer fee is a one time charge per participant. If you have results for both Y-DNA and mtDNA, only one charge will apply. After submitting the first test to the Genographic Project, please contact us at info at familytreedna.com and we will submit the second test without an additional charge.
- Who is the scientist, or scientists, that are heading and overseeing this project? faq id: 310
The Genographic Project is headed by Spencer Wells, Ph.D.
Dr. Wells is a geneticist and anthropologist by training. He is a National Geographic explorer-in-residence and is the scientific director of the Genographic Project. Dr. Wells has helped put together a team of renowned scientists around the world to carry out the global field research of the Genographic Project.
In addition, the Project will have an Advisory Board that will provide advice and oversight on, matters such as funding priorities, ethical issues, and legal compliance over the course of the Project.
The Advisory Board is comprised of respected leaders across a spectrum of disciplines. Dr. Luca Cavalli-Sforza, a world-renowned geneticist, chairs the board. The board members are:
– Dr. Luca Cavalli-Sforza (Chair)
– Terry Garcia (EVP, Mission Programs, National Geographic Society)
– Nick Donofrio (SVP, Technology and Manufacturing, IBM)
– John Heubusch (President, Waitt Family Foundation)
– Lord Colin Renfrew (Archaeologist)
– Dr. Merrit Ruhlen (Linguist)
– Dr. Meave Leakey (Paleoanthropologist)
– Wade Davis (Cultural Anthropologist)
– Tammy Williams (Indigenous Peoples’ Advocate)
– Scott Edwards (Evolutionary Geneticist)
– Simon Longstaff (Ethicist)
- How will my privacy be handled? faq id: 311
Genographic Project public participant samples are assigned a randomly generated, non-sequential Genographic Project ID (GPID) number for processing and analysis. Public participants can access their results anonymously via the secure participant area of the Genographic web site using his or her GPID number. To protect your privacy, National Geographic does not associate any personally identifiable information about you with this randomly assigned password. Therefore, if you lose this password we cannot recover it for you or provide you with any other means of accessing the results of your participation. YOU MUST RETAIN THIS PASSWORD IN ORDER TO ACCESS YOUR GENETIC MIGRATORY PROFILE.
- Will health aspects be part of the project? Will the health or insurance companies have access to any information? faq id: 312
The samples collected from the indigenous groups as well as the samples submitted by the general public via the Public Participation Kits will be analyzed purely for historical and anthropological data; no medically-relevant data will be collected or analyzed, nor will the the DNA be shared. The tests do not tell us anything about your health or about any health problems you or your family may have.
- What do I get back as a result of my participation? faq id: 319
The Genographic Project is going to test your sample to determine what migratory routes your deep ancestors (on either your mother’s or father’s side of the family) followed and to which branch of the human family tree you belong. The tests do not tell us anything about your health or about any health problems you or your family may have. Once National Geographic has conducted the DNA analysis, you will be able to access your personal genetic migratory profile by logging on to the Genographic Project’s personal gateway web page at www.genographic.com and using your Genographic Project Participant ID number provided to you in your kit. Participation in the Project is of course purely voluntary. By returning the sample, you are consenting to have your DNA sample tested to determine your migratory history. Once this test is completed, you can expand your own genealogical research by electing to do further testing with Family Tree DNA. Unless you transfer your record to Family Tree DNA, your sample will be discarded at the conclusion of the project.
- What tests are offered and how will it help my genealogical study? faq id: 321
The tests offered are the Y-DNA 12 markers for males and the mtDNA (HVR1) for females. They will address solely your deep ancestral origins and migratory history. If you need to test more markers to help with your genealogical research, you can either start with the Genographic Project and then transfer your record to Family Tree DNA and request additional tests, or you can order a test kit directly from Family Tree DNA. If you are not sure which way to go, you are welcome to e-mail support@familytreedna.com
- I have already tested with the Genographic Project. How can I join Family Tree DNA? faq id: 326
Joining Family Tree DNA after you received your results from the Genographic Project is simple. At the bottom of your results page you will see a link "Learn More", which takes you to Family Tree DNA. You will also be invited to join a Surname Project during the process of transferring your data, and obtain additional information related to genealogy at no extra cost. Should you decide to do any of the other genealogy-related tests that we offer, including upgrades to more markers, you will be entitled to a reduced rate and Family Tree DNA won't need to collect your sample again, as Family Tree DNA offers to store your DNA for 25 years as an additional service - free of charge.
- Where do I go to order the kit? faq id: 370
To order a kit from the Genographic Project, visit their website, www.genographic.com. To order a test kit from Family Tree DNA, please visit our website, www.familytreedna.com
- I tested with the Genographic Project; why are you offering me the haplogroup test? faq id: 465
Our system is automatically programmed to offer a haplogroup test or Deep SNP test to individuals whose haplogroup has not yet been tested. Because the Genographic Project was able to predict your haplogroup with high confidence, it was not necessary to perform a haplogroup test on your sample. However, the haplogroup or Deep Clade test is made available to you if you wish to have your sample tested to confirm a sub-haplogroup assignment.