Mission
The Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association (IGGA) supports the ethical and professional practice of investigative genetic genealogy through education, shared resources and a collaborative community.
We foster cross-disciplinary connection, advance professional growth, and promote responsible practice that strengthens public trust in the field.
Vision
IGGA will be a leading professional membership association that empowers its members to deepen their expertise, exercise sound judgment, and engage in responsible practice within investigative genetic genealogy.
Values
- Shared Learning: We value education, intellectual curiosity, and the open exchange of knowledge within the IGGA community. We believe professional growth is fostered through continued learning, reflection, and thoughtful engagement.
We honor the field’s roots while responsibly shaping its future.
- Collaboration & Community: We believe the strength of the field lies in collaboration—among practitioners, educators, laboratories, legal and law enforcement partners, and allied disciplines. We foster an inclusive professional community that encourages mentorship, shared knowledge, and respectful dialogue. We value good-faith engagement and recognize that thoughtful disagreement strengthens understanding and advances the field. Within the IGGA community, we commit to discourse that is respectful and constructive, recognizing that personal attacks or dismissive behaviors erode trust and shared learning.
We grow stronger by learning from one another.
- Respect & Human Dignity: We value empathy, cultural awareness, and sensitivity in our engagement with investigative genetic genealogy and with one another as members of IGGA. We approach this work with humility and awareness of its profound human impact.
We place humanity at the center of our professional practice.
- Stewardship: We value decisions made with a long-term perspective, recognizing that today’s choices shape the future credibility and trustworthiness of investigative genetic genealogy. Stewardship is shared by our members, whose individual conduct and judgment contribute to the sustainability, adaptability, and thoughtful growth of the field.
We act as careful stewards of sensitive information and remain mindful
of the lasting impact of our work on individuals, families, and communities.
of the lasting impact of our work on individuals, families, and communities.
- Neutrality: We value organizational neutrality and do not endorse specific tools, companies, institutions, methodologies, or interpretations as official positions of the IGGA. Our programs and communications are designed to encourage informed discussion without promoting particular viewpoints.
Trust is earned.