What are some of the activities of the Human Identity Project?
NIST: For the past several years, our Human Identity Project Team has been part of the DNA Measurements Group of the Biochemical Science Division. Beginning October 1, 2008, a new Applied Genetics Group has been formed to focus on forensic, clinical, and agricultural biotech genetic measurements. The Applied Genetics Group will continue to produce information, resources, and reference materials that should be able to benefit the genetic genealogy community as well although this is not our direct focus. JoGG: It appears that most of your groups efforts go to support the forensics communityis that a fair assessment? NIST: Yes, our project team is funded through the National Institute of Justice to conduct research that benefits the human identity testing community and to create tools that enable forensic DNA laboratories to be more effective in analyzing DNA. We certify standard reference materials, conduct interlaboratory studies, produce new assays to enable improved recovery of inform
