Abbreviation | ISOGG |
---|---|
Formation | 2005 |
Purpose | To advocate for and educate about the use of genetics as a tool for genealogical research, and promote a supportive network for genetic genealogists |
Membership
|
8,000 |
Director
|
Katherine Borges |
Website | www |
The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG) is an independent non-commercial nonprofit organization of genetic genealogists run by volunteers. It was founded by a group of surname DNA project administrators in 2005 to promote DNA testing for genealogy. It advocates the use of genetics in genealogical research, provides educational resources for genealogists interested in DNA testing, and facilitates networking among genetic genealogists. As of June 2013[update], it comprises over 8,000 members in 70 countries. As of July 2013[update], regional meetings are coordinated by 20 volunteer regional coordinators located in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Egypt, Ireland and Russia.
In 2006 ISOGG co-founder and director Katherine Borges explained there was interest in testing as "people want to connect", and in 2010 she estimated one million people had taken DTC genetic genealogy tests since they became available in 2000.
In 2008 ISOGG supported the passing of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act designed to prohibit the improper use of genetic information in health insurance and employment in the United States. In July 2010 Borges represented ISOGG at an FDA public meeting on oversight of laboratory developed tests, where she spoke against FDA regulation preventing consumer access to DTC testing: