J. Craig Venter, PhD recently passed away at the age of 79 from complications following a cancer diagnosis. He was well known in both science and industry and was an integral part of sequencing the human genome in the late 90s, competing with the government organized Human Genome Project. Throughout his career, he made many other important contributions in microbiology, with the “minimal cell,” in synthetic biology, and in personalized medicine. GEN editors share anecdotes of their experiences with him, reflect on the impact that his work has had on various fields in biology, in biotech, and in how the world has responded to the disruptions caused by Venter.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Genomics Pioneer and Life Sciences Entrepreneur J. Craig Venter Dies at 79
GEN, April 30, 2026
J. Craig Venter Describes a Human Genomics Revolution Still In Progress
By J. Craig Venter, PhD, GEN, June 13, 2025
Lessons from the Minimal Cell
By Hana El-Samad, PhD, GEN, August 21, 2023
From Sequencing to Sailing: Three Decades of Adventure with Craig Venter
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, March 8, 2023
“Cracking the Genome”
By Kevin Davies, PhD
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
