Genetics (journal)

Genetics (journal)
Title	Genetics
Discipline	Genetics
Editor	Mark Johnston
Publisher	Genetics Society of America
Country	United States
History	1916–present
Frequency	Monthly
Openaccess	Delayed (after 6 months)
Impact	3.6
Impact-year	2022
ISSN	0016-6731
EISSN	1943-2631
OCLC	01744787
Website	https://academic.oup.com/genetics

Genetics (journal). It is a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal established in 1916, covering all aspects of heredity and variation. Published by the Genetics Society of America, it is one of the oldest and most respected journals in the field of genetics. The journal publishes original research on topics ranging from population genetics and evolution to gene regulation and genomic analysis.

History and background

The journal was founded in 1916, a pivotal time following the rediscovery of Gregor Mendel's work and the foundational studies by Thomas Hunt Morgan on Drosophila melanogaster. Its establishment was championed by influential figures like George Harrison Shull, who served as its first managing editor. Early volumes documented seminal work in classical genetics, including research from Alfred Sturtevant on genetic mapping and Calvin Bridges on chromosomal abnormalities. For decades, it served as a primary record for discoveries emanating from major institutions like Columbia University and the Carnegie Institution for Science. The journal's history is intertwined with the formation of the Genetics Society of America in 1931, which later assumed full ownership and publication responsibilities.

Scope and publication details

*Genetics* publishes original research articles, investigations, and reviews across a broad spectrum of genetic inquiry. Its scope encompasses theoretical population genetics, quantitative genetics, evolutionary genetics, molecular genetics, developmental genetics, and genome projects. The journal is particularly known for publishing studies utilizing model organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Mus musculus. It is published monthly by the Genetics Society of America, with production and distribution handled by Oxford University Press under a publishing partnership. All content becomes freely available through Delayed open access six months after publication.

Abstracting and indexing

The journal is abstracted and indexed in numerous major scientific databases, ensuring wide dissemination of its research. Key services that cover its content include the Science Citation Index Expanded, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and the BIOSIS Previews. It is also indexed in CAS, Agricola, and CAB International. Its inclusion in these services, particularly the Web of Science, contributes to its Journal Impact Factor and other bibliometric measures tracked by organizations like Clarivate.

Impact and reception

*Genetics* maintains a strong reputation within the biological sciences, reflected in its consistent impact factor and high citation rates. It is regarded as a foundational journal for the field, often publishing methodologically rigorous and conceptually significant work. The journal has been recognized by entities like the European Molecular Biology Organization and is frequently cited in major reviews and textbooks. Its editorial standards and rigorous peer review process, overseen by editors from institutions like Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, are widely respected in the academic community.

Notable articles and special issues

Throughout its history, the journal has published landmark papers that have shaped modern biology. A seminal 1919 article by Ronald Fisher introduced foundational concepts in population genetics. The 1966 paper by Motoo Kimura on the neutral theory of molecular evolution was first presented in its pages. It has also featured important work from Barbara McClintock on transposable elements and from Sydney Brenner on genetic code analysis. The journal regularly publishes special issues and collections, such as those highlighting advances from the Yeast Genetics and Genomics meetings or focused topics like the genetics of speciation.

Editorial policies and processes

The journal operates under strict ethical guidelines aligned with those of the Committee on Publication Ethics. Manuscript submission and peer review are managed electronically, with decisions made by an editorial board comprising leading scientists from institutions worldwide, including the Max Planck Institute and Stanford University. The journal employs a single-blind peer review system and has policies concerning data availability and materials sharing. The current Editor-in-Chief is Mark Johnston, a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Related publications and society affiliation

*Genetics* is the flagship publication of the Genetics Society of America, a professional organization that also publishes the educational journal G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics. The society organizes major annual events like the The Allied Genetics Conference. The journal is historically and thematically related to other prominent genetics publications such as Genome Research, PLOS Genetics, and Nature Genetics. Its affiliation with the Genetics Society of America ensures its mission aligns with supporting the research and educational goals of the genetics community.

Category:Genetics journals Category:Publications established in 1916 Category:Monthly journals Category:English-language journals Category:Genetics Society of America