Genomics pioneer Venter to be ARVO keynoter

Rockville, MD-J. Craig Venter, PhD, founder and chief executive officer of Synthetic Genomics Inc., will be the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).

His presentation, which will take place at the opening session of ARVO 2012 on May 6, is entitled “From Reading to Writing the Genetic Code.”

Dr. Venter is regarded as one of the 21st century’s leading scientists. His contributions to genomic research include publication of the first-draft human genome in 2001, the first complete diploid human genome in 2007, and the creation of the first self-replicating bacterial cell constructed entirely with synthetic DNA.

He is founder, chairman, and president of the J. Craig Venter Institute, a nonprofit organization with approximately 300 scientists and staff working on human, microbial, plant, synthetic, and environmental genomic research, as well as the exploration of social and ethical issues in genomics.

Synthetic Genomics is a privately held company developing and applying genomic-driven commercial solutions to markets, including biofuels, biochemicals, and new bio-based food products.

Some 12,000 researchers from 80 countries are expected to attend the 5-day ARVO annual meeting. This year’s theme is “Translational Research: Seeing the Possibilities.” The meeting will feature more than 6,000 pieces of research, which are presented as posters, papers, lectures, symposia, and workshops. Program details and registration information are available at www.arvo.org/am.

For more articles in this issue of Ophthalmology Times eReport, click here.