Pioneering Scientific Researcher; Founder, Chairman and President of the J. Craig Venter Institute; Founder and CEO of Synthetic Genomics Inc.

Most well-known for his visionary contributions in sequencing the first draft of human genome and first complete human genome sequence, Dr. 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!"

Special Advisor on Healthcare Policy, President Obama’s White House Office of Management and Budget Nat'l Economic Council (2009-2011) ; Esteemed Member of Former President Clinton's Healthcare Task Force; Founding Chair of the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health (concluded tenure, August 2011); Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress (Focused on implementation of the Affordable Care Act and lowering healthcare costs)

As a respected oncologist and one of President Obama’s closest health policy advisors, Ezekiel Emanuel is central to improving the dialogue on US healthcare.  He is shaping healthcare policy through his White House influence and as a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress.  He offers a sweeping picture of healthcare’s most recent and contested issues, including the current cost and quality of healthcare, alternative reform proposals, and a comprehensive look at the Affordable Care Act.

Ezekiel Emanuel's robust experience in the health sector makes him a leading voice on the healthcare debate. He offers a sweeping picture of U.S. healthcare, including the current cost and quality of healthcare, alternative reform proposals, and a closer look at the Affordable Care Act.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Emanuel talks family and healthcare with Charlie Rose. Watch videos...

First African American Woman in Space; Founder and President of Two Medical Technology Companies

Dr. Mae C. Jemison broke more than the sound barrier in 1992 when she climbed aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour and became the first woman of color to travel into space - she made history! Now, Founder and President of two technology companies, the space flight was just one of a series of accomplishments for this dynamic woman.

U.S. Representative for Rhode Island, 1995-2011; Dedicated Advocate for Healthcare Reform and Neuroscience Research; Board of Trustees, East Providence Psychiatric Hospital for Children

Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy served 16 years in the United States House of Representatives, representing Rhode Island’s first congressional district. He distinguished himself as a leader in Congress on issues of health care, science, veterans, technology, civil rights, and mental health. A founding member of the 21st Century Health Care Caucus, the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus, and the Down Syndrome Caucus, Congressman Kennedy has been a tireless advocate for access to healthcare and advancements in medical research.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Congressman Kennedy, nephew of John F. Kennedy and son of Edward Kennedy talks to CNN's John King about his family's legacy.

ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT: Read The Boston Globe Article, "Patrick Kennedy's New Cause: The Brain"

MSNBC Political Correspondent

Ron Reagan has parlayed his unique political perspective as presidential son and Washington insider into insightful analysis for MSNBC. In addition he lends a passionate and knowledgeable voice to the subject of embryonic stem cell research.

Pulitzer Prize Winner for Distinguished Commentary; Washington Post columnist; Fox News contributor

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Commentary and named by the Financial Times the most influential commentator in America, Charles Krauthammer breathes new life into tired debates, offering clear and compelling arguments that everyone else overlooks.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT:  Charles Krauthammer weighs in on Libya in this Fox News interview. Watch video.

Author, The $1,000 Genome; Editor in Chief, Bio-IT World; Founding Editor, Nature Genetics

Medicine is about to change forever. The consumer genomics craze allows people to learn about their genetic quirks and disease susceptibilities written in their DNA for the price of an iPod, while the cost of a complete genome sequence is rapidly approaching the magical $1,000 mark. Following the success of his last book, Cracking the Genome (translated into 15 languages), British science writer Kevin Davies has just published his latest book, The $1,000 Genome. His presentation combines personal insight, humor, cutting-edge science and a gift for making the impact of 21st-century technology and genetic science accessible to a very broad audience.

Economist ; Principal Advisor to the European Union on Economic Development, Energy Security and Climate Change Policy ; President, Foundation on Economic Trends; Bestselling Author, The End of Work and The Age of Access; Fellow, Wharton School’s Executive Education Program

Jeremy Rifkin and his ideas are not without controversy. The author of seventeen books on the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, the workforce, society and the environment, Mr. Rifkin advocates a new type of economic thinking. He is a proponent of sustainable development, quality of life and the nurturing of community. His books have been translated into more than thirty languages and are used in hundreds of universities, corporations and government agencies around the world. Mr. Rifkin is one of the highest rated speakers on the international lecture circuit on the topics of globalization, sustainability and shifting to a new energy era and low-carbon economy. CNN-International is airing a documentary on his Third Industrial Revolution vision for their program Principal Voices.  Click here to view the trailer.