Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Genographic Project?
A: National Geographic and IBM are leading this landmark anthropological five-year research study to answer the oldest questions we have about ourselves: Who are we and where did we come from? In doing so the project will also create the world's largest survey of DNA samples to map how humankind populated the planet.

The Genographic Project uses sophisticated computer analysis of DNA voluntarily contributed by hundreds of thousands of people—including indigenous and traditional populations and the general public—to reveal man's migratory history and to better understand the connections and differences that make up humankind. Learn more about the Genographic Project.

Q: How can I find out my deep ancestry?
A: You can find out your deep ancestry by purchasing and using a Genographic Project Kit. The kit provides detailed instructions on collecting a sample of cells from inside your cheek and returning the sample to us so that we can do the DNA analysis to provide you with your own genetic migratory profile. The kit also contains a password (Genographic Participant ID Number) for access to the Genographic Project participant Web page. It is important that you do not lose your ID number. (Learn more about participating in the Genographic Project.)

Q: Who can submit their migration story?
A: You must have been swabbed for the Genographic Project and know your Genographic ID and haplogroup name in order to submit your story.

Q: How do I submit my story?
A: You can submit your migration story, photos, and videos at http://nationalgeographic.com/migration-stories/submit/.
If you are not already a registered user of National Geographic, or if you are a registered user but are not logged in, you will need to register or log in before you can submit your story.

Q: What should I include in my story?
A: We want to hear about your personal migration story. What is your deep ancestry (as learned from the Genographic Project Kit) and how has learning about it affected your life? Has it changed the way you view yourself or others? Tell us your experiences in 100 to 600 words. (Make sure not to include any personal identifying information that you or your relatives wouldn’t want public, such as full names or addresses.)

Q: How many stories, photos, or videos may I submit?
A: Each person may submit one story, and up to 10 photos and one video. The submission process must be completed in one session. You cannot return later and add more photos or a video. For that reason, please have your story, photos, and video ready before you begin the session.

Q: If you decide to publish my story, will it be edited?
A: If we decide to publish your story, we may edit it for length and clarity. In addition we may edit your photos or video.

Q: Will my name appear next to my story?
A: Only the user name that you registered under will appear next to your story. No other identifying information will be posted.

Q: Do I have to upload photos?
A: You do not have to upload photos with your story. However, we are more likely to publish stories that also contain photos, since it makes the content more visually compelling.

Q: If I decide to submit photos, do they need to be professional quality?
A: No, your photos do not need to be professional quality. The nature of this project means that photos might be anything from scans of old family photographs to large digital photos. Photos can be any size, but they must be in jpg format and no larger than 5 megabytes (5MB) each.

Q: Do I have to upload a video?
A: You do not have to upload a video with your story. If you would like to upload a video, you may submit one video with a maximum length of three (3) minutes and a maximum file size of 100 megabytes (MB). Your video must be in one of the following formats: .flv, .wmv, .asf, .avi, .mov, .3gp, .mpg, .mpeg, or .mp4.

Q: Why do I have to register in order to submit my story?
A: Registering for National Geographic ensures that we have your contact information. Registering is free, easy, and quick.

Q: How do I know you've received my story?
A: After submitting your story, you'll see a page confirming that we received your entry. You'll also receive an email to that effect.

Q: I didn't receive a confirmation email. Why?
A: Some ISPs (Internet service providers) commonly install email filters that block or filter emails sent from unknown addresses. If you have a "junk mail" box, check to see if that's where the email landed. If you've installed software to monitor your email, make sure your settings aren't causing your emails to get blocked. The emails that we send come from migration-stories@nationalgeographic.com.

Q: When will I find out if my story will be posted?
A: Due to the large number of submissions we receive, we cannot respond to each submitter. Check the stories page to see if yours has been posted. Stories will begin to be posted on or around August 18, 2009.

Q: Will I be notified if my story is not selected?
A: No, you will not be notified if your story has not been selected for posting.

Q: When will the selected entries be posted?
A: The selected migration stories will be posted or around August 18, 2009.

Q: Where will my story be posted if it is selected?
A: The selected stories will be posted at nationalgeographic.com/migration-stories.

Q: Can I edit my entry once it has been submitted?
A: You cannot edit or delete your entry once it has been submitted.

Q: I'm not a U.S. resident. Can I submit a story?
A: Migration stories may be submitted by anyone who has been swabbed for the Genographic Project, regardless of your location.

Q: I have not been swabbed for the Genographic Project. Can I still submit my migration story?
A: No, you must have been swabbed for the Genographic Project and know your Genographic ID and haplogroup name to submit your story.

Q: I do not remember my Genographic Project ID and/or my haplogroup name. How can I get them?
A: Your Genographic Project ID (GPID) is the ten-digit, alphanumeric code that identifies your sample and results. Most GPIDs start with the letters FW. The GPID can be found on the inside flap of the Genographic Project Kit box. It can also be found on the consent form included in the kit.

Your haplogroup is the branch of the human family tree to which your DNA belongs. You can log into your results page and click "See Your DNA Analysis" to find your haplogroup.

Q: I'm younger than 18 years old. Can I enter?
A: You must be 18 years of age or older to submit your migration story. If you’re under 18 and would like to submit your story, you’ll have to ask a parent or guardian to do so on your behalf.

Q: If I buy a kit now, can I submit my migration story?
A: We encourage everyone to purchase a Genographic Project Kit (the net proceeds from the sale will be used to fund additional research as well as indigenous cultural conservation and educational efforts), but be advised that it takes approximately six weeks to receive your results (which include your haplogroup name). In addition, being a Genographic Project participant is not a guarantee that your story would be selected for publishing.