Have you ever wanted to know where your ancient ancestors came from – dating back 60,000 years?
Now Melbourne residents, who collectively make up one of the most diverse populations in the world, have the opportunity to find out their deep migratory history when the University of Melbourne hosts ‘The Journey of Your Genes…the Genographic Project Traces Your Family Roots,’ a special free public event.
On Sunday 4 October from 10am – 2pm, as part of Evolution the Festival, the public will be invited to come to the University of Melbourne’s Bio 21 Institute, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville and be guided through a free cheek swab worth $135 from The Genographic Project – a partnership of National Geographic and IBM with field support by the Waitt Family Foundation.
The first 100 people will hear about the Project and decide if they want to participate using the free cheek swab which tests 12 ‘markers’ to determine their deep ancestry – paternal or maternal lineage dating back over as many as 2,000 generations.
Testing will be on a first-come, first-served basis and tests limited to one member from each family over the age of 18. For those who miss out, Genographic testing kits will be on sale and purchasers can choose to have their cheek swab taken on the spot for direct dispatch to the testing laboratory.
Kits are available from the USA at the Genographic Project homepage
Other activities on Sunday 4 October include interactive displays about The Genographic Project and DNA, video screenings, the opportunity to speak to scientists about your ancestral roots, a book fair focused on DNA along with family entertainment.
With a Chinese dragon dance, African drummers and dancing, an Aboriginal didgeridoo and dance performance and the Tabla and Bansuri Shenai duo - there will be hours of entertainment to be had as you take your first steps towards discovering details of your ancient ancestory.
Participants will be able to access their results online and will also be invited back to further explore their results at a special public lecture at the University of Melbourne on Sunday 6 December.
“…a unique opportunity to highlight the incredible diversity of Melbourne’s population and to celebrate that diversity. Our family history is written in our genes and Melbourne’s migratory history started well over 60,000 years ago,”
Professor Philip Batterham, Chairman: Evolution – the Festival