The International Society and the International Foundation for Animal Genetics (ISAG and IFAG) evolved from a series of annual workshops for comparing methods for detecting red cell antigens and variants of proteins to a organization focusing on basic and applied research on molecular genetics. The Society and the Foundation support exchange of research ideas, results and applications by organizing conferences and workshops, comparison tests and publishing Animal Genetics, the official journal of the Foundation. From its beginning the Society has been recognized for its open and friendly character, providing a excellent plat-form for new and young scientists.