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What is a Surname Project?

A surname project is a project which is formed by many Genebase members with the same or similar surname who have gathered together to use DNA markers to determine the roots of their surname, and to establish links and reunite family groups.

As a surname project grows and the number of members increases, the project can link together global families sharing the same surname, determine whether the surname originated from a single line or from several ancestral lines, and reunite family groups with the same surname that share a common ancestor. As a surname project grows, it becomes more exciting, more global, and has endless possibilities in helping you to discover your roots.

Genebase provides the highest quality testing and the world's most powerful public online surname project management tool.

• Genebase tests 44 markers, the highest number available in the industry.
• Genebase allows you to choose which markers you want to test.
• Genebase provides laboratory direct pricing: $199 for 44 markers.
• Genebase offers the world's most powerful Project Management tools.
• Our testing laboratory is ISO17025 accredited and AABB accredited to ensure the highest level of quality control and reliable testing.
• The Genebase online community is public and free for all users, regardless of where your DNA was tested.

In order to become a Genebase member, you must start a Genebase user account. If you are ordering a DNA Marker Test, you will automatically be provided with a Genebase user account. If you do not need to order a test because you have already had your DNA markers previously tested elsewhere, you may still become a Genebase member and have full use of Genebase features for free. Genebase is a free public database which is open to everyone.

Once you become a Genebase member, you will have your own Genebase user account, your own GeneMail inbox, your own weblogs and your own profile homepage. You can search for an existing project to join, and if you cannot find a project for your surname, you are welcome to start your own surname project through your Surname Project Control Panel.

Public Surname Projects are moderated by Genebase. Private surname projects are overseen by the Surname Project's administrator. If you are the one who started the surname project, you will automatically become the project's administrator. You can choose to remain as the administrator or you may choose to assign this role to another member at a later date. You can also choose co-administrators to help you oversee the project. The more effort that you put into your project to recruit members and to promote the goals of your project, the more successful and rewarding your project will become.

The project administrator is usually the main genealogist for a given family name. Genebase allows a surname project to have many co-administrators to share the duties and responsibilities. The project administrators are able to control the project through the Genebase project administrator control panel which has powerful project management tools.

All surname projects are provided with their own website, their own online live forums, announcement, and sections for administrators and moderators to update findings and accomplishments. The Surname Project Control Panel is easy to use and provides very powerful and effective project management tools for the administrator.

How to join an existing surname project?

The first step that you should take after you become a Genebase member is to use the search function of Genebase to see if a surname project already exists for your surname. If you find a surname project for your surname and would like to join the project, you can do so through your user control panel. If the project is an open project, you will be added to the project right away. However, if the project is a private closed project, you will need send a join request to the administrator of the project who will then add you to the project once you have been approved.

How to start a surname project?

If you do not find a suitable surname project or if you would like to start a specialized project, you can easily start your own surname project. You can request to start a surname project through your user control panel. Simply click on the "start new project" button and enter the reason why you would like to start a new project. Your request will be reviewed by Genebase staff within 48 hours and you will receive a reply within 48 hours. You will be able set up your group project through your user control panel. Simply click on the link and it will guide you through the steps for setting up your project homepage and begin recruiting members.

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