The Austin-Austen DNA Project was started by the late Dr. Michael Edward Austin in 2003 and was jointly sponsored by the Austin Families Genealogical Society, and the Austin Families Association of America, AFAOA. The project is now totally administered by the AFAOA.
The goal of the Y-DNA Project is to create Y-DNA (Y-chromosome DNA) profiles for Austin and Austen family lines and to compile participants' test results into a comprehensive Y-DNA Profiles Table.
We are seeking male Austins and Austens with documented family lines to join the project. Researchers can compare their own Y-DNA results with those in the Profiles Table to identify potential genetic connections to established family lines.
As of June 2026, the project includes 427 Y-DNA test results, including some participants who do not carry the Austin or Austen surname but are genetically relevant to the project.
You may participate even if your Y-DNA test was performed by a company other than Family Tree DNA (FTDNA). We recommend beginning with at least a Y-37 test, although Y-111 or Big Y testing provides significantly greater genealogical value. For most participants, the Y-37 test is an excellent starting point.
If you have already tested, we also encourage upgrading your existing results using your original DNA sample. Tests can be upgraded from Y-12, Y-25, Y-37, Y-67, or Y-111 to any higher marker level, including the Big Y test, providing more detailed information for family line comparisons.
You may also view the latest test results, see the answers to frequently asked questions, or see the number of tests by database.
FTDNA runs sales on test kits and upgrades several times a year. For more information on the project, or to be notified when these FTDNA sales are announced, please contact DNA Group Administrator and Y-DNA Coordinator Art Sikes.