JGSGB DNA SIG – 14 Nov 2021 2pm – with Laurence Harris – “DNA Ethics – I wouldn’t do that if I were you!”

Our meeting after next in the JGSGB Virtual Meeting Programme is from the JGSGB DNA Special Interest Group (DNA SIG) by Zoom, open to all JGSGB members.

• Date: Sunday 14 November 2021
• Time: 14:00 London; 09:00 New York; 16:00 Jerusalem; 15:00 Switzerland
• Title: DNA Ethics – I wouldn’t do that if I were you!
• Speaker: Laurence Harris
• Description: As family historians we all face ethical dilemmas from time to time. What information should we divulge, to whom, when and how? What might be the consequences? When should we say nothing, and when is saying nothing inappropriate? What if doing a great good for one individual comes with a risk of hurting the feelings of another? If someone is deceased then can we freely publish information about them? And does it make any difference if their death was 5 years ago or 100 years ago?

The rapid growth of DNA testing as a basic tool used in genealogical research has both compounded and magnified the ethical issues. What are the ethical dangers if I place my DNA in a database where it can be matched with the DNA samples of others? Might I find an unexpected very close relative and, if so, what impact might that have on me and my family, and also them and their family? What special issues should be considered if any of the parties are Jewish or think they are Jewish? Should I allow law enforcement agencies to use my DNA to help solve crimes and identify missing persons?

These topics and others will be covered in an introductory presentation. We shall then split into smaller groups to discuss a few case studies. Will your group be able to reach consensus on the best approach in certain scenarios? And will your group’s best approach match the best approach identified by other groups? Join us to find out.

About Laurence Harris
Laurence has been a member of the Society since 2001 and is a past Chairman. He is currently a member of Council, Chairman of the Strategy Committee, and is the Lead of our DNA Special Interest Group. Laurence is a professional genealogist with particular interests in Anglo-Jewish genealogy and genetic genealogy. For many years he was Head of Genealogy UK for MyHeritage, and in this role he led a number of pro bono research projects, tracing and reuniting lost family including Holocaust survivors, often using a combination of DNA testing and traditional genealogical records.

After the talk, there will be an opportunity for Q&A on the talk.

The invitation to register is below, but please keep it to yourself!

If you have problems joining please email chairman@jgsgb.org.uk, preferably in the 15 minutes before the meeting proper starts.

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Leigh Dworkin is inviting you to register for a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: JGSGB DNA SIG: "DNA Ethics – I wouldn’t do that if I were you!" by Laurence Harris
When: Nov 14, 2021 02:00 PM London

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtceCvrD4oHdRV8cD6MQ6BsDgWDFk5gLz7


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Stay safe and keep well!

Leigh Dworkin
Chairman, JGSGB