State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms («Genetika») is a recognized leader in biotechnology research in Russia. Genetika is one of the recognized leaders in the development of fundamentals in genetics of industrial microorganisms. Our works in the field of genetics of actinomycetes, bacilli, methylotrophic bacteria and yeasts are well known by specialists all over the world. Since its inception in 1968, Genetika has been on the forefront of microbiological research and development, with the strong focus towards creating industrial applications. These applications included production of amino acids, nucleotides, vitamins, antibiotics, recombinant proteins and enzymes, organic acids and solvents, biocatalysts, biological pesticides, and other types of compounds. Genetika is the home of Russian National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (VKPM) – the biggest collection of this type in the country. It boasts ca. 17000 strains of different bacterial, yeast and fungal species. VKPM is conducting a number of research and contract-based projects on isolation of strains with new industrially valuable properties, identification and cloning of specific genes, developing microbial overproducers using selection and genetic engineering approaches.