Celebrating Mendel

In this issue of Nature Genetics, we celebrate the legacy of Gregor Mendel, who was born 200 years ago. We also note the 30th anniversary of the launch of Nature Genetics. The convergence of these two milestones helps us to look back on how far the genetics field has come, and also to look to the future to see where we are heading.

In this Editorial, we reflect on the field’s responsibility around the potential uses and abuses of genetics and genomics research.

The bicentenary of the birth of Mendel is an opportunity to explore the origins of genetics and to confront some of its difficult subsequent history.

On the occasion of Gregor Mendel’s bicentenary, the authors reflect on the history of the terms dominant and recessive, and their current use in medical genetics.

To mark the bicentenary of Gregor Mendel’s birth, the authors reflect on progress in the application of genetics and genomics to delivering a cure for sickle cell disease, a classic Mendelian disorder.

Building on the fundamental discoveries of Mendel, plant genomics has had a major role in advancing the genetic improvement of crops worldwide, particularly in developed economies where the technologies are easily accessible. From cumbersome to more miniaturized high-throughput sequencing technologies, the field continues to evolve, providing vast opportunities for studying plant genomes with varying levels of complexity and potential real-life applications.

This Review discusses the importance of understanding the mechanisms by which specific allelic variants and allelic combinations cause disease for accurately diagnosing, treating and counselling individuals with genetic disorders.

Commemorating the 200th birthday of Gregor Mendel, Kim Nasmyth reflects on Mendel’s life and legacy and how his work has shaped and defined the field of modern genetics.

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Gregor Mendel’s birth, this Perspective discusses the historical context of Mendel’s discoveries and the importance of these insights in shaping the field of genetics.

This Perspective celebrates the scientific legacy of W. G. Hill and highlights his various important contributions to the field of genetics.