Genetics Society of America Mission

Genetics has emerged as one of the most fundamental and far-reaching biological sciences. Advances in genetic analysis—especially DNA sequencing and genetic engineering technologies— have allowed us to look deeply and broadly into the great diversity of life. By studying a few favored experimental ‘model’ organisms, we have elucidated the fundamental principles of inheritance, the intricate pathways of cellular function, and the extraordinary mechanisms by which a fertilized egg develops into a complete creature. We’ve gained insight into developmental disorders, disease, and the foundation for new advances in therapeutics.

All organisms operate with the same basic machinery built from a shared legacy of genetic information. The similarities between each organism are much greater than we originally anticipated, expanding the opportunities for geneticists to further the frontiers of knowledge. Great strides in genomics, functional analysis, and bioinformatics are expanding the breadth of available experimental organisms. Consequently, it is critical to forge collaboration between traditionally-separate research communities, and to communicate our discoveries in the classroom and on the public stage. These new findings have far-reaching implications: they shed light on who we are, how we got here, and what goes awry in disease. The body of genetic knowledge represents one of the world’s greatest intellectual triumphs. And the future holds promise of many more discoveries.

But advances in genetics have generated concern among many people. Some fear that genetic engineering will lead to super-diseases and to supermen. Others are uncomfortable with the knowledge of their genetic heritage and the genetic determinism and discrimination it may bring. Many are wary of genetically modified plants, even as such organisms hold promise to improve nutrition throughout the world. While we are cognizant of the risks, these fears are greatly exaggerated in the public eye. Bringing more knowledge to the issues will allay concerns and steer thought and action in directions that strive to ameliorate real problems. The public needs to understand the potential accomplishments of genetic manipulation, and the facts about what remains impossible, unsafe, or unethical. We have the responsibility to foster a Genetic Enlightenment.

This complex and exciting arena forms backdrop against which the Genetics Society of America (GSA) serves its members: researchers, scientists, teachers, engineers, breeders, and geneticists in training. The purposes of the Society are to 1) promote research that will bring new discoveries in genetics, 2) facilitate communication among geneticists, 3) foster the training of the next generation of geneticists so they can effectively respond to the opportunities provided by our discoveries and the challenges posed by them, and 4) educate the public and government representatives about advances in genetics and the consequences to individuals and society. The GSA endeavors to be the collective voice of its members on subjects where a deep knowledge of genetics and biological science is critical.

The GSA seeks to expand the scope of its activities in an effort to effectively respond the opportunities and issues that confront the Society. We need a larger and more diverse membership to address goals that have expanded due to the success of the research in genetics research enterprise. We need special initiatives to propel the intellectual unification in studies of different model organisms, and between model organisms and humans. Expanded activities are required to promote ever more effective educational programs in modern genetics, for professional development of scientists as well as for students and the public. The GSA seeks to address the concerns of humanists and the public about the socially disruptive potential of deeper genetic knowledge and applications. Finally, the GSA seeks to expand its efforts to inform and educate legislators about genetics.

The GSA seeks to foster a unified science of genetics and maximize its intellectual and practical impact. Current programs address these goals by promoting:

Investigation of inheritance and heredity

The GSA advocates funding of research in genetics, primarily through its membership in the Coalition for the Life Sciences (CLS), an organization of leading scientists that fosters public policies advancing basic biological research and its applications in medicine and other fields. The GSA strives to inform state and national legislators about breakthroughs and issues in genetics.

Interaction among geneticists.

The GSA organizes and sponsors many conferences for researchers. These include the long-running model organism meetings: the Yeast (biennial), C. elegans (biennial), and Drosophila (annual) meetings), and the new Society-wide Model Organisms to Human Biology meeting (biennial). The Meetings and Membership Committee welcomes opportunities to sponsor other meetings appropriate to its mission. GENEtics, the Society’s newsletter, keeps members apprised of Society activities.

Communication of discoveries

The GSA publishes GENETICS, the leading journal for geneticists since 1916. The Board of Directors appoints the Editor-in-Chief on recommendations from the Publications Committee. The GSA also explores new opportunities for scientific communication, such as those offered by the organism-specific databases.

Education of students and the public.

The Society’s Outreach and Education Committee seeks to integrate advances in and discussions of genetics in the K through college curriculum. The GSA communicates to the public advances in genetics and clarifications about and positions on topical issues by providing expert opinion to the press and others.

The GSA recognizes scientists who have made outstanding contributions to the field of genetics with three annual awards:

For more information, please visit the GSA Home Page.