QIAGEN partners with Bode Technology to boost forensic genealogy

QIAGEN has announced an exclusive partnership with Bode Technology to further enhance the GEDmatch PRO genealogy database for use in forensic investigations and human identification. GEDmatch PRO, a key tool in forensic genetic genealogy, helps law enforcement and forensic teams analyze genetic data to solve cases that traditional fingerprinting techniques cannot. This platform has been instrumental in helping investigators identify suspects and solve cold cases, ultimately bringing justice to victims and closure to their families.

This partnership will see Bode Technology, the largest private forensics laboratory in the United States, act as the global commercial partner for GEDmatch PRO, handling client acquisition and service while ensuring the highest level of data security. Bode’s nearly 30 years of experience in forensic DNA analysis makes them well-positioned to help law enforcement, forensic genealogists, and other professionals maximize their success in identifying individuals. Bode Technology has a strong reputation for providing high-quality DNA analysis services, working on high-profile cases, and supporting law enforcement agencies across the globe.

QIAGEN, a pioneer in human identification technology, will continue to focus on developing GEDmatch PRO’s software tools and features to meet the evolving needs of forensic investigators. This collaboration builds on the long-standing relationship between QIAGEN and Bode Technology and aims to bring greater efficiency and effectiveness to forensic genealogy investigations worldwide.

The multi-year agreement allows QIAGEN to leverage its next-generation sequencing (NGS) products, making use of advanced technology that can analyze single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to find genetic associations where traditional methods fall short. NGS technology provides a deeper level of analysis, allowing investigators to identify genetic patterns and associations that are critical for solving complex cases. By utilizing NGS, GEDmatch PRO can provide investigators with the information they need to make breakthroughs in cases that have remained unsolved for years.

As part of the partnership, Bode Technology will manage all commercial transactions for GEDmatch PRO globally, allowing QIAGEN to focus on research and development efforts. Bode’s role in client acquisition and service management will be instrumental in expanding the reach of GEDmatch PRO and ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies and forensic professionals worldwide. Bode will also maintain the highest level of data security, ensuring that GEDmatch PRO users retain ownership of their case data and that no additional identifying information is shared without consent.

QIAGEN will also retain responsibility for managing the separate GEDmatch consumer database, which remains unaffected by this partnership. The consumer database, which allows individuals to compare their DNA to others for genealogical research, will continue to operate independently, providing valuable insights for those interested in exploring their family history.

The alliance between QIAGEN and Bode underscores their commitment to advancing forensic genetic genealogy while upholding high standards of ethics, data privacy, and security—values that have defined their operations for decades. By working together, QIAGEN and Bode aim to provide law enforcement and forensic professionals with the tools they need to solve cases more efficiently and effectively, ultimately contributing to public safety and the pursuit of justice.