About Us | Press Releases | 2007 | February 22

"GENOMICS: FROM MEDICINE TO THE ENVIRONMENT" WAS PRESENTED BY J. CRAIG VENTER, PH.D. TO THE BIO IT COALITION AT THE J. CRAIG VENTER INSTITUTE

On Wednesday, February 21, Dr. J. Craig Venter presented "Genomics: From Medicine to the Environment" at the BIO IT Coalition's monthly luncheon meeting hosted by the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in Rockville, Maryland.  Dr. Venter talked about his work at the JCVI.  Following the presentation, Coalition members and guests were treated to a tour of the JCVI facilities.

An amazing scientific and technological effort, the 2000 sequencing of the Human Genome was hastened by the efforts of Dr. Venter, who challenged others to complete it's publication much sooner than might otherwise have occurred.  Since then, Dr. Venter has been involved in environmental genomic analysis with an emphasis on microbial biodiversity, ecology, and evolution, scouring the seas for specimens and genetic information on the Institute vessel, the Sorcerer II.

Dr. Venter's fast paced presentation included clips from the Discovery Channel's television program "Cracking the Ocean Code" which followed Dr. Venter on an ocean voyage as he searched for new life forms whose genetic secrets could help solve current global crises in energy, the environment and health.  This work will bring knowledge of other species and viruses to scientists for future discoveries.  Dr. Venter said, "Drug companies are chasing the blockbusters and closing their microbial labs, but more attention should be spent on unknown and potentially dangerous pathogens which could cause future pandemics and other problems."

Dr. Venter discussed the Institute's other areas of exploration, including parasite genomics, genomic medicine with an emphasis on cancer genomics and human genome re-sequencing and analysis, mammalian, plant and viral genomics, use of molecular and genomic methods to develop biological sources of clean energy, synthetic genome development, educational outreach, and policy research on the ethical, legal, and economic issues associated with genomic science and technology.  "Dr. Venter's presentation showed us some of the wealth of information and resources which make the D.C. area a key U.S. bio IT center," said Steve A. Mandell, Chair of the BIO IT Coalition and a partner of Pepper Hamilton LLP.

The J. Craig Venter Institute is a not-for-profit research institute dedicated to the advancement of the science of genomics: the understanding of its implications to society; and the communication of those results to the scientific community, the public, and policymakers.  Founded by Dr. Venter, the Institute is home to over 500 staff and scientists with expertise in human and evolutionary biology, genetics, bioinformatics/informatics, high-throughput DNA sequencing, information technology, and genomic and environmental policy research. http://www.venterinstitute.org

The BIO IT Coalition is a non-profit organization which bridges the life sciences and information technology industries through interactive, content driven events that highlight innovation, investment, collaboration and partnership to build the bio IT industry. For more information about the Coalition and its monthly programs and more, visit http://www.bioitcoalition.org.