Contact: Maridith Geuder
J. Craig Venter and Claire M. Fraser
Two American scientists recognized as pioneers in mapping the human genome will launch Mississippi State's Distinguished Lecture Series.
J. Craig Venter, who was Time magazine's "Scientist of the Year" in 2000, and his wife, Claire M. Fraser, president of The Institute for Genomic Research, will speak at separate public programs Sept. 8 at the university's Hunter Henry Center.
Genomes are the full set of chromosomes containing all the inheritable traits of a living organism. Fraser's 1:30 p.m. presentation is titled "Healing to Evolution: Harnessing the Microbial Genome." At 4 p.m., Venter will discuss "Our Genomic Future." The two also will appear at a 10:30 a.m. student forum at Colvard Union ballroom, where they will examine the impact of modern science on society.
Coinciding with the university's 125th anniversary and the Sept. 5 investiture of Charles Lee as MSU's 17th president, the Distinguished Lecture Series is addressing subjects of national and international significance, said George S. Rent, associate provost and co-chair of the presidential investiture committee.
"Drs. Venter and Fraser are among recognized leaders in the highly challenging undertaking of mapping the human genome," he added. "We deeply appreciate their participation in this special program marking a major milestone in the university's distinguished history."
Venter, formerly associated with the National Institutes of Health, is the president of three not-for-profit organizations: the Center for the Advancement of Genomics, Institute for Biological Energy Alternatives and J. Craig Venter Science Foundation.
In 1992, he and Fraser founded The Institute for Genomic Research in Rockville, Md. To date, institute research teams have sequenced more than 30 genomes. In the process they have raised provocative questions about human evolution and genetic relationships among species. Venter is one of the most frequently cited scientists in biology and medicine.
Lecture co-sponsors include MSU's College of Arts and Sciences, Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, Office of Research, and MSU Foundation.
Editor's Notes: For more information on the programs, telephone (662) 325-3742. Drs. Venter and Fraser will be available to meet interested members of the press following their 10:30 a.m. Colvard Union presentation.