Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

TAKiR is a groundbreaking research project that aims to explore genetic genealogical connections and the broader social implications of the Transatlantic Slave Trade for Ghanaians and the African diaspora. The project combines advanced genetic testing, genealogical research, and social science methods to uncover ancestral ties and facilitate family reunifications.

There are two main avenues for participation: a. AncestryDNA Match: You must be at least 18 years old, reside in the United States, and have taken a DNA test with AncestryDNA that matches a profile managed by TAKiR. b. Illinois Resident: You must be at least 18 years old, reside in Illinois, and identify as a person of African descent.

To enroll, create an account on our website and provide informed consent. If you are participating through the AncestryDNA Match avenue, you will also need to upload your raw DNA profile from AncestryDNA.

For both avenues of participation, we will mail you a DNA collection kit with instructions on how to safely collect and return your saliva sample. Your sample will be processed at the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where the DNA will be extracted and genotyped.

You will receive information about your genetic relatedness to other participants, potential African ancestry, and estimated family trees. If you participate through the Illinois Resident avenue, you will receive basic information about your African ancestry and potential connections to specific regions or communities.

We adhere to strict ethical guidelines and employ advanced security measures to protect your personal and genetic information. Detailed information about our data practices can be found in our Privacy Policy.

No, we do not store your biological samples (saliva or extracted DNA) for future testing. All saliva samples will be destroyed after the DNA extraction and genotyping process is complete.

While we provide users with the ability to share their personal data or results with others through our platform, it is important to note that once data is shared, TAKiR is no longer responsible for the privacy or security of that information. Users should exercise caution and discretion when choosing to share their data.

You will be able to access your genetic genealogy results through a secure, personalized dashboard on our website. You can log in at any time to view your results and explore new discoveries as more participants join the project.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our research team at contact@takir.org. We are here to provide support and guidance throughout your participation in the project.