J. Craig Venter
The J. Craig Venter Institute
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Primary Section: 41, Medical Genetics, Hematology, and Oncology Secondary Section: 21, Biochemistry Membership Type:
Member
(elected 2002)
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Research Interests
My research centers on genomics and its broad implications to understanding cellular function, evolution, medicine and the environment. I founded three not-for-profit research institutes that cover key areas of my research. The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) sequenced the first genome from a free-living organism in 1995. TIGR has since completed genomic sequencing and analysis of over 50 eukaryote and microbial organisms. The Institute for Biological Energy Alternatives (IBEA) is exploring ways to use biology and genomics for carbon dioxide sequestration and to produce clean fuels such as hydrogen. IBEA is undertaking genome engineering to synthetically create a microbial chromosome based on first principals of gene requirements to support a living self-replicating cell. IBEA in collaboration with TIGR is using the whole genome shotgun method to sequence all the organisms in an environment, beginning with the Sargasso Sea. The Center for the Advancement of Genomics (TCAG) is devoted to the public implications of our sequencing of the human genome. Projects include: ethno-genomics and an exploration of "race" and its genetic components. TCAG is actively engaged in sequencing genomes of a defined clinical population and correlating genomic information with medical history to assess risk for certain diseases.
