EMPOP—the EDNAP mtDNA population database concept for a new generation, high-quality mtDNA database

Abstract The European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP) MtDNA Population Database (EMPOP) is an international collaborative project between DNA laboratories performing mtDNA analysis and the DNA laboratory of the Institute of Legal Medicine (GMI) in Innsbruck, Austria. The goal is to set up a directly accessible mtDNA population database, which can be used in routine forensic casework for frequency investigations. Most forensic laboratories do not have the capacity to rapidly generate massive amounts of sequence data. Altogether, however, they dispose of a respectable body of data. Apart from a mutual, non-competitive exchange of molecular genetic techniques, every forensic institute can contribute to the EMPOP project with its familiarity with the individual technology and with the polymorphisms typical for the population inhabiting its surroundings. The EMPOP core laboratory in Innsbruck provides the bioinformatic infrastructure with which to analyze, transcribe, store, and share the data.