Genetics in the USSR

Genetics in the USSR developed through a complex history. Initially, Soviet science embraced classical genetics, but during the 1930s and 1940s, Lysenko rejected Mendelian principles, promoting Lamarckian ideas aligned with political ideology. This led to setbacks in genetic research and education, as Lysenko's theories were enforced politically, causing the suppression of genuine genetic studies. After Stalin's era, the fall of Lysenko's influence in the late 1950s allowed Soviet scientists to reconnect with mainstream genetics, contributing to global scientific advancements. Overall, Soviet genetics history reflects a tension between ideological control and scientific development.