Genetika was founded in 1965, soon after the end of Lysenko’s era, a time during which genetics was considered a false, reactionary science. Since its inception, the journal has made a significant contribution to the revival of genetics in the former Soviet Union.
    The journal publishes reviews and experimental papers in the areas of theoretical and applied genetics. It presents fundamental research on genetic processes at the molecular, cell, organism, and population levels. Special attention is paid to the most topical areas in modern genetics dealing with global concerns: the conservation and rational management of genetic resources and the evaluation, prediction, and prevention of the negative effects of environmental pollution. The journal also publishes papers dedicated to events in Russian science and the history of genetics.
    The Russian Journal of Genetics is abstracted and/or indexed in Biological Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts, Index Medicus, Excerpta Medica, Agricola, International Abstracts of Biological Sciences, World Translations Index, and Aromatic Plant Abstracts.