It was established in 1967 and covers all topics related to the genetics of viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, including humans.

Responses to the survey were favorable, with the first volume of the Annual Review of Genetics published two years later in 1967.

All other members of the editorial committee are appointed by the Annual Reviews board of directors and serve five-year terms.

The editorial committee determines which topics should be included in each volume and solicits reviews from qualified authors.

[10] Dates indicate publication years in which someone was credited as a lead editor or co-editor of a journal volume.