Most well-known for his visionary contributions in sequencing the first draft of human genome and first complete human genome sequence, Dr. J. Craig Venter is regarded as one of the leading scientists of the 21st century for his invaluable contributions in genomic research.
From positively impacting human health and better treating disease to enabling a better understanding of the environment and potentially creating new biological sources of energy, Dr. Venter illuminates how the field of genomics has the power to transform the world around us. Dr. Venter was awarded the 2008 National Medal of Science from President Obama. In 2007 and 2008, Dr. Venter was named one of Time Magazine’s “Most Influential People” in the Scientists and Thinkers category and was also listed among Foreign Policy’s “Public Intellectuals.”
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT! Watch Dr. Venter's Recent 60 Minutes interview.
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT: Is Craig Venter going to save the planet? in The Washington Post
EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Venter spoke before a crowd of 2,000+ attendees at the 24th Season of the University of Buffalo's Distinguished Speakers Series, and received glowing feedback: "Dr. Venter was a terrific, giving guest - a wonderful, fascinating, thought-provoking speaker with sensational visuals. Dr. Venter presented a Master Class to the audience!"
From Reading to Writing the Genetic Code
In his riveting and inspiring account, Dr. Venter tells of the unparalleled drama of the quest for the human genome, a tale that involves as much politics (personal and political) as science. He also reveals how he went on to be the first to read and interpret his own genome and what it will mean for all of us to do the same. He describes his sailing expedition, the Sorcerer II Global Ocean Sampling Expedition, to sequence microbial life in the ocean, as well as his groundbreaking success in creating synthetic life. Here is one of the key scientific chronicles of our lifetime, as told by the man who beat the odds to make it happen.
Pioneering New Biological Frontiers
Dr. Venter speaks passionately about the impact genomic information will have on the future of biology and medicine, as well as the complex relationships between genes, environment, disease, and behavior.
Described by BusinessWeek as a “Voice of Innovation,” Dr. J. Craig Venter is regarded as one of the leading scientists of the 21st Century for his invaluable contributions to genomic research.
He is Founder, Chairman, and CEO of the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), a not-for-profit, research organization with approximately 300 scientists and staff dedicated to human, microbial, plant, synthetic and environmental genomic research, and the exploration of social and ethical issues in genomics.
Dr. Venter is also Founder and CEO of Synthetic Genomics Inc (SGI), a privately held company dedicated to commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global needs such as new sources of energy, new food and nutritional products, and next generation vaccines.
Dr. Venter and his team at JCVI continue to blaze new trails in genomics. They have sequenced and analyzed hundreds of genomes, and have published numerous important papers covering such areas as environmental genomics, the first complete diploid human genome, and the groundbreaking advance in creating the first self- replicating bacterial cell constructed entirely with synthetic DNA.
Dr. Venter is one of the most frequently cited scientists, and the author of more than 250 research articles. He is also the recipient of numerous honorary degrees, public honors, and scientific awards, including the 2008 United States National Medal of Science.
Read More Accolades about
Add to My Speakers
