Norwich University presents “Life at the Speed of Light,” a free presentation by American biologist and entrepreneur Dr. J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, at 7 p.m. in Plumley Armory as part of this year’s Todd Lecture Series.
Books will be available for sale and a signing will follow the presentation.
One of the first scientists to sequence the human genome and leader of the team responsible for creating the first cell with a synthetic genome, Dr. Venter is regarded as one of the leading scientists of the 21st century for his contributions to genomic research.
Dr. Venter is founder, chairman and CEO of the J. Craig Venter Institute, a not-for-profit, research organization with approximately 250 scientists and staff dedicated to human, microbial, plant, synthetic and environmental genomic research, and the exploration of social and ethical issues in genomics. He is also founder and CEO of Synthetic Genomics Inc., a privately held company dedicated to commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global needs such as new sources of energy, new food and nutritional products, and next generation vaccines.
He is an often-cited scientist, and author of more than 250 research articles. He is also the recipient of numerous honorary degrees, public honors and scientific awards, including the 2008 United States National Medal of Science, the 2002 Gairdner Foundation International Award, the 2001 Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize and the King Faisal International Award for Science. Dr. Venter is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Society for Microbiology.
This lecture is hosted by the College of Science and Mathematics.
The Todd Lecture Series is named in honor of Army Maj. Gen. Russell Todd (USA Ret.) and his wife, Carol, in gratitude for their dedicated service to the university. Todd ’50, serves as Norwich President Emeritus. With this series, Norwich brings significant lecturers to campus. All events are free and open to the public.