The Genetics Society was founded by William Bateson in 1919 and is one of the oldest "learned societies" devoted to Genetics in the world. Its membership of over 1700 consists of most of the UK's active geneticists, including academics, researchers and students.

It is a registered charity, and organises meetings to promulgate genetics, supports students to attend meetings, sponsors research through fieldwork grants and student bursaries, and promotes the Public Understanding of Genetics.

It co-owns and manages some of the leading journals in the field, and publishes a regular newsletter.