Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• Expression of Interest to attend 2025 Optimising your DNA using Chromosome Analysis course

  • Start
    09 July 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    31 March 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM

  Register

  

  This is an expression of interest only to assist us to gauge the level of demand for this course.

  We will contact you with further information about the registration process once we have a better idea of how many people wish to undertake the course. 

  Due to the advanced nature of this course a survey will need to be completed by prospective attendees to demonstrate their proficiency in the pre-requisites listed below. We will contact you about this when the EOI process has closed.

  Are you ready to take your DNA results to the next level using chromosome analysis? Do you have your DNA data at a site with a chromosome browser and want to understand how to work with your results?

  Join Veronica Williams and other SAG DNA Discussion Group members for a 10 part course designed to build on your existing knowledge of working with your DNA and develop your skills in chromosome analysis.

  The series is not suitable for beginners, it suits intermediate DNA researchers interested in learning more complex DNA techniques.

  The course consists of twelve sessions, made up of four lectures and eight workshops that will include case studies and opportunities for discussion. Whilst foundation concepts will be discussed in Module 1, later sessions will assume knowledge of those DNA concepts and tools.

  Sessions will likely be scheduled for Saturdays, over a three-four month period.

  To provide an indication of how the program is structured the 2024 course outline can downloaded and viewed by clicking here.

  Pre-requisites for participants: 

  • Competence in basic DNA analysis techniques as outlined in the section Starting to work with your DNA results - the basics
  • Have been working with their DNA results for over 12 months
  • Ability to work with spreadsheets, including basic formatting and data manipulation;
    
  • Priority will be given to those who have completed the SAG AncestryDNA Course
    

  The course will be presented online using the Zoom platform.

  This course will NOT be recorded.
  

  
  

  Show details
• Let's Talk About...DNA Surprises

  • When
    29 July 2024
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    453

  Register

  Join us for an engaging panel discussion on "Let's Talk About... DNA Surprises," featuring insights from our panel:

  Sarah Burn, Manager, Post Adoption Resource Centre, The Benevolent Society
  Jason Reeve, Head of Content Acquisition & Community Engagement – Australia & New Zealand, Ancestry
  Melanie Dunstan, Founder - Genetic Genealogist and Private Investigator, The DNA Connection

  Explore the complexities of impacts of DNA testing in genealogy, ethical implications, and navigating unexpected family discoveries.

  Do you have a question you are desperate to have answered? Why not submit it in advance. Click on the link to send us your question now https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SAG-Talk-about-question
  

  NOTE: We will try to answer all advance questions that are submitted, however, at times the volume of questions received means this is not possible.

  Please note: Members will need to be logged into the website to register.

  This is an online session using the ZOOM platform.

  This webinar will be recorded, so you can either watch it live or watch it later.

  AI imaged generated from Bing Create.

  Show details
• GROUP: DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice

  • When
    21 September 2024
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    487

  Register

   Topic: TBA

  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

  
  

  This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

  Show details
• GROUP: DNA Research Discussion Group

  • When
    21 September 2024
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    493

  Register

  

  Topic: TBA

  This session will be a facilitated discussion session. It requires pre-work by participants and information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting. All participants are expected to contribute to the discussion.

  Skill level: Advanced

   Facilitator: Sharon Watson

  Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

  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.

  This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.

  Show details
• WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA

  • When
    28 September 2024
  •  
    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.

  
  

  Skill level: Beginner

  Presenter: Christine Woodlands 

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

  • When
    02 November 2024
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    496

  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 10.00-12.00 using the Zoom platform.  We won’t be recording the sessions, so you must attend live.

  Important things to note:

  1. Discussion will be focussed 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: Beginners' Introduction to DNA

  • When
    02 November 2024
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    498

  Register

  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!

  This is an online session using the ZOOM platform.

  
  

  Skill level: Beginners

       Presenter: Melissa Hulbert    

  Note: Members need to be logged in to the site to make an event booking.

  Show details
• GROUP: DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice

  • When
    07 December 2024
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    496

  Register

   Topic: TBA

  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

  
  

  This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

  Show details
• GROUP: DNA Research Discussion Group

  • When
    07 December 2024
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    496

  Register

  

  Topic: TBA

  This session will be a facilitated discussion session. It requires pre-work by participants and information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting. All participants are expected to contribute to the discussion.

  Skill level: Advanced

   Facilitator: Sharon Watson

  Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

  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.

  This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.

  Show details