RUCDR was established in late 1998 along with a new Department of Genetics at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Facilities are located in Nelson Biological Laboratories on the scenic Busch Campus in Piscataway, New Jersey

RUCDR began when scientific and managerial leadership re-located to New Jersey and transferred several cell line and DNA collections from Indiana University School of Medicine. Soon thereafter, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) transferred its Center for Genetic Studies to RUCDR. Since then, RUCDR has established many new repositories through grants and contracts with the government and private agencies.