Craig Venter 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. Through 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.

Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, John Sterling, Kevin Davies, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. 

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 

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