On April 13, 2005, the National Geographic Society launched the Genographic Project. Founded by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells, the Genographic Project is a nonprofit research project aimed at answering questions about human population and migration. Where did we come from? Who did we come from? How did we get where we are? Who are we?
 
Anyone in the world can participate in the Genographic Project—one of its major components is gathering DNA samples from indigenous and traditional peoples as well as the general public. Using the DNA from a simple cheek swab and a complex computer analysis, the Genographic Project is able to create the world’s largest migration map, showing how humans populated the planet.
 
The result of this project is a global database of genetic and anthropological data, as well as a resource for scientific research communities. 
anthropology
Noun

science of the origin, development, and culture of human beings.
component
Noun

part.
database
Noun

a collection of information for analysis and interpretation.
DNA
Noun

(deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule in every living organism that contains specific genetic information on that organism.
Explorer-in-Residence
Noun

pre-eminent explorers and scientists collaborating with the National Geographic Society to make groundbreaking discoveries that generate critical scientific information, conservation-related initiatives and compelling stories.
genetic
Adjective

having to do with genes, inherited characteristics or heredity.
Genographic Project
Noun

National Geographic project that uses genealogy to trace the migratory history of the human species.
indigenous
Adjective

characteristic to or of a specific place.
migration
Noun

movement of a group of people or animals from one place to another.
National Geographic Society
Noun

(1888) organization whose mission is "Inspiring people to care about the planet."
nonprofit organization
Noun

business that uses surplus funds to pursue its goals, not to make money.
public
Noun

people of a community.
research
Noun

scientific observations and investigation into a subject, usually following the scientific method: observation, hypothesis, prediction, experimentation, analysis, and conclusion.

More Dates in History

April
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
30 31 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 1 2 3
More Events on this Date
  • Credits

    Media Credits

    The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

    Editor

    Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society

    Producer

    Mary Crooks, National Geographic Society

    Last Updated

    Dec. 16, 2013

  • User Permissions

    For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please visit our FAQ page.

    Media

    If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

    Text

    Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service.

    Interactives

    Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.