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The National Geographic Society and IBM Corporation have teamed together to launch the Genographic Project, a 5-year project to trace human history [Pennisi E, (2005) Science 308,340]. Spencer Wells, of the National Geographic, will lead the project. Ten teams will collect approximately 100,000 human DNA samples from 1000 indigenous populations. Information from DNA from preserved human remains will also be collected. From this data, patterns of human migration will be determined. The project’s website already has an interactive Atlas of the Human Journey, which provides information on data already known about human migration as well as theories being explored. Estimated at approximately $40 million, the project costs will be split between National Geographic, IBM and the Watt Family foundation.

In addition, individuals can become involved in the project as well. For $99.00, interested people can buy a Public Participation Kit. They are asked to swab the inside of their check and return the DNA sample. Participants receive information on the material or paternal genetic markers passed to them by their ancestors. Participants can track the progress of their sample, through the use of an anonymous code. They will be given their results on line and can see how their lineage integrates with the project as a whole. By answering some additional ‘phenotyping’ questions that will “help place your DNA in cultural context,” participants can add their data to the project’s global database. The project website reminds potential participants of the limitations of their participation. “This is not a genealogy test and you won't learn about your great grandparents. You will learn, however, of your deep ancestry, the ancient genetic journeys and physical travels of your distant relatives.”

Elizabeth Pennisi notes in her article that there similarities between this project and the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP), a project that faced difficulties several years ago when indigenous groups feared researchers collecting their tissue and DNA would exploit that information for commercial gain. The Geographic Project states that they will not conduct biomedical research with its data and so may avoid some of the problems faced by the HGDP. However, ethical and practical concerns may be raised about the gathering and use of the participant samples. While the website makes clear that samples will not be tested for “health, health status or any inherited health conditions,” no information is given on ownership of the samples and what will happen to them. For example, are there plans to destroy the samples after the project ends? In addition, one problem may affect the range of participants samples the project might receive – the website acknowledges that in some countries, such as China, the export of genetic material requires government approval. They note that ways will need to be found to ensure the broad level of participation needed to produce their survey of the world’s populations.