Grant Recipient:  National Geographic Society

In 2004, the Waitt Foundation made a significant donation to National Geographic for the field research component of the Genographic Project—a five-year initiative with IBM led by distinguished population geneticist Spencer Wells, to collect and analyze more than 100,000 DNA samples from people all over the world in order to shed new light on our genetic and migratory history.

Humanity’s Long Journey

The Genographic Project hopes to fill in the gaps of humanity’s 60,000-year odyssey around the globe with a three-pronged approach:

1) Gathering field data in collaboration with indigenous and traditional peoples;

2) Offering the public the opportunity to take part in the project by purchasing a Participation Kit; and,

3) Using the kit proceeds to fund further field research and to support a Legacy Project for educational and cultural preservation of indigenous groups.

In 2005, the Genographic Project was launched. This unprecedented effort will map humanity's genetic journey through the ages.

World Centers

The funding from the Waitt Foundation enabled project scientists to set up 10 centers around the world to collect more than 100,000 DNA samples from indigenous populations, and another to collect DNA from ancient remains. As of February 2010, there are 265,000 public participants who have consented to be included in the scientific database, one of the largest collections of human genetic information available today.

Two women in Khorog, Tajikistan participate in the DNA sampling. Different populations carry distinct markers. Following them through the generations reveals a genetic tree on which today's many diverse branches may be followed ever backward to their common African root.

How to Participate

The general public is invited to take part in the Genographic Project! Purchase a Participation Kit to confirm your expectations of what you believe your deep ancestry to be—or learn a new story about your genetic background.

San Diego Exhibit

National Geographic Society has partnered with the San Diego Museum of Man to feature a special exhibit from the Genographic Project called, Journeying into Our Collective Past.

Public Domain

The Genographic Project is anonymous, non-medical and non-profit, and all results will be placed in the public domain following scientific peer publication.

About National Geographic

Founded in 1888, National Geographic Society is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world. A partner of the Waitt Foundation on various projects since 2004, the society’s mission is to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge while inspiring people to care about the planet. National Geographic reaches as many as 300 million people each month through its six magazines, cable television channels and programs, films, radio, books, videos, maps, interactive media and merchandise.

Resources/Media

National Geographic Web site
Genographic Project Web site
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Why The Genographic Project?
An Interview with Ted Waitt