News Release

Leading scientist, J. Craig Venter, to speak on mapping the human genome

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Chemical Society

Scientists are racing to complete the Human Genome Project, which aims to map the complete set of genetic instructions for human life. They believe this accomplishment will revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases. At the forefront of this effort is J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., president and chief scientific officer of Celera Genomics. He will speak on "Decoding the Human Genome" on Sunday, March 26, at the 219th national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, in San Francisco.

Venter is renowned for having helped develop a new strategy for gene discovery that has facilitated genetic sequencing. In 1998, Venter co-founded Celera, located in Rockville, Md., with the goal of sequencing the entire human genome by the end of 2001. His company seeks to become the definitive source of genomic and medical information.

In recognition of his contributions to the Human Genome Project, Venter is this year's honoree for the David Perlman Memorial Lectureship.

WHO: J. Craig Venter, Ph.D.,
President and Chief Scientific Officer,
Celera Genomics

WHAT: "Decoding the Human Genome"

WHERE: Moscone Convention Center
747 Howard Street, Esplanade Level
Room 304

WHEN: Sunday, March 26, 5:30 p.m.

REPORTERS COVERING THIS EVENT MUST FIRST CONTACT THE ACS PRESS OFFICE AT 415-923-7510

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Contact: Charmayne Marsh
In Washington: 202/872-4445
In San Francisco, 3/22-3/30:415-923-7510

A nonprofit organization with a membership of 161,000 chemists and chemical engineers, the American Chemical Society publishes scientific journals and databases, convenes major research conferences, and provides educational, science policy and career programs in chemistry. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio. http://www.acs.org


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