What was the Sorensen Molecular Genealogy Foundation?

The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) was inspired by discussions in 1999 between philanthropist James LeVoy Sorenson and Brigham Young University professor Scott Woodward. Their pioneering vision was to advance genealogical research in a way that had never been done before. By combining DNA testing and four-generation family histories, the organization’s goal was to create a genetic map of the peoples of the world, decipher relationships shared by the entire human family, and show that the similarities we possess are greater than our differences.

From 2000 to 2012, the non-profit organization was dedicated to building the world’s foremost collection of DNA samples and corresponding genealogical information, eventually gathering a database of 100,000 DNA samples and associated four-generation pedigrees. Through the use of science, technology, and traditional genealogical research, SMGF demonstrated that DNA testing was a crucial component to understanding the complete picture of one’s family.

Gathering Samples Around the Globe

Sorenson’s vision of creating a genetic map of the world could only be achieved with an enormous amount of effort. For twelve years the team gathered samples from volunteers on six continents in more than 150 countries. In addition to the immense distances traversed, the team had to sift through thousands of volunteers to find those who were willing to give DNA samples (in spite of the fact that there was no real benefit to them at the time) and had documented family trees that contained at least four generations. And this very expensive venture was funded solely by James Sorenson, who spent millions of his own dollars to fulfill this dream.

Contributions to Science, Genetics, and Genealogy

When SMGF first started collecting DNA and four-generation pedigree charts, its mission was to prove that the new concept of DNA testing could expand the world’s idea of “family” and would do it in a way that would help people understand more about their geographical roots. Through this project and the use of science, technology, and traditional genealogical research, we now know that DNA testing is a crucial component to understanding the complete picture of your family. Additionally, SMGF contributed greatly to the emerging field of genetic genealogy in other ways, such as providing online DNA databases to the public and publishing numerous scientific articles detailing new discoveries.

The Legacy Continues

In order to remain a leader in the rapidly growing and dynamic field of DNA testing, the foundation knew that their resources would have to be increased substantially. In March of 2012 SMGF decided that AncestryDNA was in a better position to continue the Sorenson mission and allowed AncestryDNA to acquire its extensive collection of DNA-related assets. Today, AncestryDNA utilizes SMGF data to support its ethnicity estimation and relationship prediction algorithms. The pioneering work begun at SMGF has helped AncestryDNA expand its services faster than anyone else in the field and will continue to grow and have an impact on the future scientific understanding of genetic genealogy.

Managing your SMGF consent

If you agreed to participate in one of SMGF's research projects and would like to revoke your consent to continued participation, please reach out to our IRB servicer for the SMGF study, WCG 855-818-2289 and refer to Sponsor Protocol ID SMGF-2008-7 or IRB tracking ID 20031734.