FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 1 

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM 

Title of research need: Methods in Forensic Genealogy

Describe

the need:

Forensic Genealogy is the combination of genetic DNA analyses with traditional record‐

based family tree genealogy. A familial genetic connection is generated from a crime scene

sample with individual(s) from a database of genetic records that are then tied via records

from births, deaths, marriages etc., with the intention of intelligence identification. Close

family relationships may be inferred from STR data using familial searching of STR

databases, depending on the country/states legislation, however more distant

relationships can be found using SNP data generated using multiple methods (SNP array

genotyping or sequencing) and searching non CODIS databases such as GEDmatch. A more

thorough comparison of both STR and SNP approaches, including standards on how the

data is generated, order of operations, calculation of error due to decreased sample

quality, mixtures, loss of SNPs etc. to name a few, should be explored. The development of

standards and training material, including training programs is needed as there are several

aspects to this field. These trainings can be broken down into 1. SNP data generation

standards and approaches like those used in STR DNA profiling. 2. Statistical approaches to

infer a potential familial match (e.g., LR or IBS/IBD measures), including court‐ready

reporting statistics in the absence of STR data should be explored. 3. Standards and

approaches in the genealogy portion of this field and the generation of non‐genetic family

trees, including order of operations/rules on how to prove identity (given multiple family

trees are generated) from intelligence information.  

Keyword(s): SNPs, STRs, Massive Parallel Sequencing, SNP array, Genotyping

Submitting subcommittee(s): Human Biology Date Approved: 10/05/2021

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

Yes, in the use of Forensic Genealogy for casework. 

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

Yes , but not enough in detail. 
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3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: 

1) Kling D, Phillips C, Kennett D, Tillmar A. Investigative genetic genealogy: Current methods, knowledge and 

practice. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2021;52:103474. 

2) Tillmar A, Fagerholm S.A, Staaf J, Sjölund P, Ansell R. Getting the conclusive lead with investigative genetic 

genealogy – A successful case study of a 16 year old double murder in Sweden. Forensic Sci Int Genet.

2021;53:102525. 

3) Galván-Femenía, I., Barceló-Vidal, C., Sumoy, L. et al. A likelihood ratio approach for identifying three-quarter 

siblings in genetic databases. Heredity. 2021;126, 537–547. 

4) Kling D, Tillmar A. Forensic genealogy—A comparison of methods to infer distant relationships based on 

dense SNP data. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2019;42:113-124. 

5) Thomson J, Clayton T, Cleary J, Gleeson M, Kennett D, Leonard M, Rutherford D. An empirical investigation 

into the effectiveness of genetic genealogy to identify individuals in the UK. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 

2020;46:102263. 

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

Yes, “Development of genetic genealogy testing procedures for use by the crime labs”. 

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities? 

The whole field needs standardization and rules that are transparent and can be shared internationally. 

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)? 

Better exploration of the caveats of bad samples/data and minimum requirements for accurate identification 

using FGG on all populations (not just Europeans for which many of the SNP databases available only consist). 

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system? 

It will provide standards and rules for future implementation of FGG in all forensic capable laboratories that is 

akin to accepted STR profiling protocols. 

 
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8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): II

Major gap in 

current 

knowledge 

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge 

 

 No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III 

 Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV 

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an

informational resource to the community.