The goals of this project are fluid in nature as we all learn how YDNA information can help solve our genealogical brick walls. Below are the current primary objectives of the R-L226 Private Project:

1) This project is primarily a YSNP based study and is limited to only submissions that test R-L226 positive or that are predicted to test L226 positive. This project will only analyze 67 marker submissions as this resolution is required for consistent and accurate analysis. This project also applies to all YSNPs that are descendants of R-L226. Primary testing sources are: 1) FTDNA 67 marker YSTR data; 2) FTDNA Big Y data (from analysis by Dennis Wright (only those who send the BAM files to Dennis); 3) Full Genomes Corporation NGS tests (higher resolution Big Y testing and only those that send their BAM files to Dennis); 4) FTDNA Z253 SNP pack tests; 5) YSEQ Z253 SNP panel tests; 6) FTDNA individual YSNP tests (very limited since FTDNA is not adding many YSNPs for individual order these days; 7) YSEQ individual YSNP testing (primary source for testing private YSNPs); 8) limited usage of YSearch for additional 67 marker YSTR tests.

For FTDNA genetic data, only submissions that belong to major public FTDNA projects will be part of the analysis. Also, since all new YSTR tests default to private (project only), these will be included until you change your privacy setting to public (everyone). Around 20 % of FTDNA's data for L226 is private and can not be viewed by L226 researchers for analysis. It is highly recommended that you lobby surname projects for migrate from private databases (project only) to public databases (everyone). In depth analysis will be provided for only 67 marker submissions as any less data is not sufficient for YSNP analysis or construction of L226 descemdant trees. Currently, this project will be limited to only 67 marker submissions and 111 markers is beyond the scope of this project at this time. Eventually, analysis of 111 marker submissions may be analyzed as sufficient numbers are tested and FTDNA fixes the YSearch database to accept all 111 markers.

2) This project is limited to only YSNPs that are descendants of R-L226. This project will primarily focus on the "private" and "near private" YSNPs under the R-L226 haplogroup. It will also attempt to analyze older branches under R-L226 but this analysis requires may not be as accurate due to more data being required and shorter time frames to develop YSTR mutations to separate these older branches. This web site will provide very high level summaries (descendant charts of each R-L226 branch when possible).

3) This project primarily includes analysis of YSNP information in combination with YSTR information. However, this analysis will have a genealogical bias and will be oriented towards those genealogists who are attempting to break through brick walls of their oldest known ancestors. I always use very leading edge and speculative methodologies with my analysis and I am constantly learning more about these complex topics. There are bound to be some errors in my analysis based on my understanding of all the complexity associated with YDNA analysis. I welcome comments, corrections and additions for any of my analysis. It is an objective of this project to always be on the leading edge of YDNA analysis as well as providing as accurate information as possible. This approach will reveal more information overall – but also could introduce some errors as well that will be corrected as more genetic information becomes available. L226 descendant charts will not always be 100 % accurate as we just do not have enough genetic informatiion to produce 100 % accurate charts.

4) This project will attempt to graphically reveal how all L226 submissions are related. This accuracy can some times be very high for much of L226 or for some parts of L226, accuracy will be more speculative. There are four main factors that determine accuracy: 1) the age of YSNP is very important and accuracy improves as YSNPs are more closer to the present; 2) Having sufficient YSNP testing that match those testing positive for each branch; 3) the genetic diversity of each part of the L226 haplotree varies dramatically from being very isolated to being almost no change from the original L226 modal values where accuracy will suffer; 4) The number of YSTR submissions tested within each branch and near each branch must be sufficient to ensure accuracy; 5) the amount of surviving males must be relatively high in order obtain enough genetic information required.

5) This project will also attempt to provide a consolidated web site where those who are new to YSNP research can quickly find educational information. This part of the web site will be greatly expanded in the future. This project will also provide links to other web sites where scientific papers, research tools and other information will assist those trying to get started in YSNP research. For those with intermediate knowledge, the YouTube video presentations from the Genetic Genealogy of Ireland (GGI) conferences are highly recommended. Much of this material may have a genealogical slant as it is expected that many more genealogists will become very interested in YSNP research as more of these YSNPs are discovered in the genealogical time frame.