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• LECTURE: Beginners' Introduction to DNA

  • When
    15 March 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Level 2, 379 Kent Street, Sydney
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  This is an in person event at the SAG Family History Research Centre & Library. 

  Online sessions of this presentation will be available on other dates in 2025.

  Receiving your DNA test results is an exciting time but it can quickly become confusing. This session will look at the different types of tests available, which one is right for you and which companies do these tests. We will look at some basics to help you understand and interpret your matches and there will be plenty of time for questions so you can start finding those new cousins!

   Skill level: Beginners

  Presenter: Melissa Hulbert 

    

  
  

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• GROUP: Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool (GDAT) User Group

  • When
    15 March 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    42

  Register

  Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool (GDAT) User Group

  If you already have DNA chromosome analysis skills and are using the GDAT database tool to manage your DNA information, you might wish to join our new user group.  SAG user groups are aimed at ‘members helping members’ so this is a collaborative working group aimed at sharing information and knowledge.  You must be a SAG member to join this group.

  Sessions will include a short presentation on a specified topic identified by the group, followed by discussion between group members, then round table Q&A regarding the product.  We will meet on Saturdays at 11.00-13.00 using the Zoom platform.  We won’t be recording the sessions, so you must attend live.

  Important things to note:

  1. Discussion will be focused on utilising the GDAT software for DNA analysis;
  2. Members must have an understanding of the principles of chromosome analysis before joining the group;
  3. Chromosome analysis questions WILL NOT be discussed, except in the context of using the GDAT product.

  Pre-requisite Knowledge for using GDAT:

  1. Be computer literate;
  2. Have the ability to work with spreadsheets and large data sets;
  3. Have been working with DNA results at GEDmatch, FamilyTree DNA, My Heritage, or 23andMe for over 12 months;
  4. Understand the concepts of chromosome analysis and can apply them in practice, in particular:
     1. Be able to differentiate between shared matches and shared segments;
     2. Be able to interpret when matches are ICW on a segment;
     3. Understand triangulation concepts and how to identify Triangulated Groups at each DNA site.

  Before joining our user group, it is best if you have already:

  * Watched the video and undertaken all the tasks in the Quick Start Guide (Setting up) - https://sites.google.com/view/genealogical-dna-analysis-tool/home/video-tutorials#h.t5ehfiqzxea3

  * Read how the developer (Becky) approaches her DNA analysis, recognising the tool allows for multiple variations - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iO5BceetmtucroYUJeyWsMSjslV4IQYH/view

  * Set up at least one profile, added a pedigree for that profile and have uploaded segment data from at least one DNA company, such as GEDmatch, FTDNA, 23&Me or My Heritage.  GEDmatch is probably the easiest to start with, utilising Tier 1 tools is recommended for the triangulation report  (but not essential).

  Any issues arising consult the user guide

  https://www.getgdat.com/home
  

  If it's not covered in the user guide submit the question for discussion at the next meeting by posting in the SAG GDAT User Group, or if the enquiry is more urgent utilise the Facebook GDAT User group https://www.facebook.com/groups/dnatool

  
  Skill level: Advanced DNA knowledge    

  Group Lead: Veronica Williams

   This session will not be recorded. Please only register if you are able to attend at the advertised time.
  

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• GROUP: DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice

  • When
    29 March 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    473

  Register

  Topic: Working with Artificial Intelligence for DNA Research

  This session will briefly outline the various AI Platforms that members are finding useful in increasing their productivity for their DNA research. Members of the DNA Research Group will demonstrate some routine activities they have been able to automate through the use of these tools. Any Member who has a tool they would like to demonstrate should contact the convenors at least 7-14 days prior the session. Following the session we aim to share these tools by creating a SAG library of custom GPT’s (ChatGPT) or artefacts (Claude) for use by society members. 

  The DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice is a collaborative group designed to assist researchers with the analysis and interpretation of genetic genealogy results.
  

  The group is designed to meet the needs of attendees with an intermediate level of knowledge of genetic genealogy.

  Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

  
  

  NOTE: We will confirm soon whether this session will be recorded or not

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• GROUP: DNA Research Discussion Group

  • When
    29 March 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    486

  Register

  

  Topic: What repetitive DNA tasks could be replaced by AI tools to help us increase our productivity?          

  Facilitator: Sharon Watson

  Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

  This session is a facilitated discussion session which seeks to identify a list of manual repetitive tasks members would find useful in improving their research productivity and ranking them in terms of priority. The session will also seek volunteers to work in small groups to progress the development of the identified tools with the view to adding them to the SAG shared library of AI DNA tools. Information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting, it requires pre-work by participants with all attendees expected to contribute to the discussion.

  Please note: The topics and tools discussed at this group are pitched at an advanced level and the Research Discussion Group meetings are not recommended for those just beginning their DNA journey.

  
  

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• WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA

  • When
    21 June 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  

  This session is ideal for people who are starting to work with their AncestryDNA test results. We’ll cover the reporting features for testers who don’t have an Ancestry subscription and then the additional features that come with subscriptions. Christine will share her "Top 10" techniques for working with AncestryDNA.

  Demonstrations and case studies will be featured in the session. There'll be plenty of time for questions. Reference material will be available after the session.

  Participants should have an understanding of the different types of DNA tests and how they can be used. This is covered in Beginners’ Introduction to DNA. When you register, we’ll send you a link to a pre-recorded webinar if you’d like a refresh.

  This session is limited to 25 participants.

  
  

  Skill level: Beginner

  Presenter: Christine Woodlands 

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• WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA

  • When
    17 August 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  

  This session is ideal for people who are starting to work with their AncestryDNA test results. We’ll cover the reporting features for testers who don’t have an Ancestry subscription and then the additional features that come with subscriptions. Christine will share her "Top 10" techniques for working with AncestryDNA.

  Demonstrations and case studies will be featured in the session. There'll be plenty of time for questions. Reference material will be available after the session.

  Participants should have an understanding of the different types of DNA tests and how they can be used. This is covered in Beginners’ Introduction to DNA. When you register, we’ll send you a link to a pre-recorded webinar if you’d like a refresh.

  This session is limited to 25 participants.

  
  

  Skill level: Beginner

  Presenter: Christine Woodlands 

  Show details
• GROUP: Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool (GDAT) User Group

  • When
    30 August 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    49

  Register

  Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool (GDAT) User Group

  If you already have DNA chromosome analysis skills and are using the GDAT database tool to manage your DNA information, you might wish to join our new user group.  SAG user groups are aimed at ‘members helping members’ so this is a collaborative working group aimed at sharing information and knowledge.  You must be a SAG member to join this group.

  Sessions will include a short presentation on a specified topic identified by the group, followed by discussion between group members, then round table Q&A regarding the product.  We will meet on Saturdays at 11.00-13.00 using the Zoom platform.  We won’t be recording the sessions, so you must attend live.

  Important things to note:

  1. Discussion will be focused on utilising the GDAT software for DNA analysis;
  2. Members must have an understanding of the principles of chromosome analysis before joining the group;
  3. Chromosome analysis questions WILL NOT be discussed, except in the context of using the GDAT product.

  Pre-requisite Knowledge for using GDAT:

  1. Be computer literate;
  2. Have the ability to work with spreadsheets and large data sets;
  3. Have been working with DNA results at GEDmatch, FamilyTree DNA, My Heritage, or 23andMe for over 12 months;
  4. Understand the concepts of chromosome analysis and can apply them in practice, in particular:
     1. Be able to differentiate between shared matches and shared segments;
     2. Be able to interpret when matches are ICW on a segment;
     3. Understand triangulation concepts and how to identify Triangulated Groups at each DNA site.

  Before joining our user group, it is best if you have already:

  * Watched the video and undertaken all the tasks in the Quick Start Guide (Setting up) - https://sites.google.com/view/genealogical-dna-analysis-tool/home/video-tutorials#h.t5ehfiqzxea3

  * Read how the developer (Becky) approaches her DNA analysis, recognising the tool allows for multiple variations - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iO5BceetmtucroYUJeyWsMSjslV4IQYH/view

  * Set up at least one profile, added a pedigree for that profile and have uploaded segment data from at least one DNA company, such as GEDmatch, FTDNA, 23&Me or My Heritage.  GEDmatch is probably the easiest to start with, utilising Tier 1 tools is recommended for the triangulation report  (but not essential).

  Any issues arising consult the user guide

  https://www.getgdat.com/home
  

  If it's not covered in the user guide submit the question for discussion at the next meeting by posting in the SAG GDAT User Group, or if the enquiry is more urgent utilise the Facebook GDAT User group https://www.facebook.com/groups/dnatool

  
  Skill level: Advanced DNA knowledge    

  Group Lead: Veronica Williams

   This session will not be recorded. Please only register if you are able to attend at the advertised time.
  

  Show details
• WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA

  • When
    29 November 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  

  This session is ideal for people who are starting to work with their AncestryDNA test results. We’ll cover the reporting features for testers who don’t have an Ancestry subscription and then the additional features that come with subscriptions. Christine will share her "Top 10" techniques for working with AncestryDNA.

  Demonstrations and case studies will be featured in the session. There'll be plenty of time for questions. Reference material will be available after the session.

  Participants should have an understanding of the different types of DNA tests and how they can be used. This is covered in Beginners’ Introduction to DNA. When you register, we’ll send you a link to a pre-recorded webinar if you’d like a refresh.

  This session is limited to 25 participants.

  
  

  Skill level: Beginner

  Presenter: Christine Woodlands 

  Show details