An initiative to promote world-leading genealogy education, events, and research has been launched at the University of Strathclyde.

The Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies (SIGS) has been established with the aim of delivering academic excellence through the creation of new courses and research opportunities to run alongside the University’s long-standing world-leading postgraduate programme.

The Institute, based in Strathclyde’s Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL), will also build on the success of the University’s genetic genealogy research projects and work with experts, organisations, and other faculties at Strathclyde to grow a thriving research community for anyone with an interest in family history.

The University is already home to a well-established variety of learning opportunities in the subject, ranging from beginner level short courses and free online courses to a world-leading, online Masters degree and a PhD pathway in History with Genealogical Studies.

The creation of the Institute will facilitate the development of collaborations, driven by a growing international appetite to discover ancestors, build family trees and better understand results from genetic genealogy tests. Coupled with research expertise and in-house knowledge, this will ensure course content is continually refreshed with the latest documentary and genetic research findings.

Tahitia McCabe has been appointed as Head of SIGS. She held the position of Course Director for the Genealogical Studies Masters programme for nearly 10 years and brings a huge amount of knowledge and expertise to the role.

A new Course Director, Dr Calista Williams, has also been appointed. Calista previously worked for the University of Aberystwyth’s Lifelong Learning Department, where she headed up their genealogy short course programme.

Tahitia said: ”This is an exciting time for genealogy at Strathclyde and the genealogical community. Our passion is to help people, whether they are experienced or new to the subject, to learn more, connect with each other and further their learning or research.

“We are already well respected internationally for our programmes, which gives the Institute a great start. Our aim is to create a vibrant space where genealogical learning and discourse can flourish – we are reaching out to anyone with an interest to join us on our journey.” 

The new Institute will launch formally on Tuesday 9 May at a free online showcase event, where Tahitia McCabe will be joined by Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde and guest speaker Professor Turi King.

Professor King uses genetics in the fields of forensics, history, genealogy, and archaeology and is perhaps best known for her work in leading the genetics and identification of the remains of King Richard III.

Register for the launch event.