>From the Connaught Telegraph: The team from National Geographic are returning to reveal the findings of the ‘Gathering the Mayo Genes’ project which took place last June, the first such event in Northern Europe, where 100 Mayo Volunteers had their DNA sampled in a bid to answer fundamental questions about our origins and how we came to populate the earth. Taking place on Sunday 17th November at GMIT Castlebar, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr Spencer Wells and his Washington based team will exclusively unlock the secret to Mayo’s DNA at this fun, family event celebrating Mayo’s ancestry which will be an ideal occasion to chat with the National Geographic team. The event which is taking place as part of Science week in Mayo will form part of an exciting line up of events planned for Science week open day on November 17th. The Genographic Project is a multi-year global research initiative using DNA to map the history of human migration. Dr. Spencer Wells, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and a population geneticist, said his team are looking forward to unveiling Mayo’s genetic history. “This provides a great citizen science opportunity — and the more people who participate, the more our scientific knowledge will grow. We are excited to have the opportunity to return to Mayo to share the results of the Geno 2.0 Study.” This novel project is another initiative from the Enterprise and Investment Unit at Mayo County Council and a flagship event for 2013, the year of the Gathering. Head of the Enterprise and Investment Unit Joanne Grehan welcomed the National Geographic team back to Mayo, saying “We are delighted that our friends from National Geographic are returning to reveal the results of the Mayo Genographic Study. This has been a superb opportunity for the people of Mayo to play their part in uncovering the mysteries of our ancestors. We hope the findings from this research will assist in mapping the genetic journey of both our County and Humankind.” Participants of the study, their families and Mayo people everywhere are invited to GMIT Castlebar on Sunday November 17th at 3.00pm to hear the origins of Mayo Settlers revealed. Those interested in becoming part of the Genographic study will be able to find out how to do so on the day. The details of this and all other events in the County are available on www.mayo.ie . This website reaches out to and links with Mayo Diaspora worldwide and will continue to be a platform linking Mayo Communities both here and around the world.