How does the Genographic Project differ from the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) proposed over 14 years ago?
While the goals of the two projects overlap to some extent, there are major differences in the clarity of our mission and the way we are carrying out this project. The Genographic Project is studying the human journey how we are all related, and how we arrived at where we live today. There is no medical research of any kind in the Genographic Project. Also, we will not patent any genetic data resulting from the project. All the information belongs to the global community and will be released into the public domain. Ours is a true collaboration between indigenous populations and scientists. Helping communicate their stories and promoting preservation of their languages and cultures is integral. Before any field work begins, we have been and will continue to seek advice and counsel from leaders and members of indigenous communities about their voluntary participation in the project. In addition to answering questions of scientific interest to indigenous populations and the general public
Spencer: While the goals of the two projects overlap to some extent, there are major differences in the clarity of our missions and the way we are carrying out this project. The Genographic Project is studying the human journey — how we are all related, and how we arrived at where we live today. There is no medical research of any kind in The Genographic Project. Also, we will not patent any genetic data resulting from the project. The information belongs to the global community and will be released into the public domain. Ours is a true collaboration between indigenous populations and scientists. Helping communicate their stories and promoting preservation of their languages and cultures is integral. Before any field work begins, we have been and will continue to seek advice and counsel from leaders and members of indigenous communities about their voluntary participation in the project. In addition to answering questions of scientific interest to indigenous populations and the gener
