The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced the addition of J. Craig Venter, Ph.D. to the 2008 BIO International Convention keynote speaker lineup. The global event for biotechnology will take place June 17-20, 2008 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif.

"We are excited and honored to have Dr. Venter at the 2008 BIO International Convention to share with us his insights and experience as one of the leading scientists of the 21st century," said Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO. "His pioneering research in genomics and alternative energy sources is making a tremendous impact on our industry."

Dr. Venter's presentation, "From Reading to Writing the Genetic Code," will highlight the ways in which his early successes in genomics are now being used to lead the way toward breakthroughs in advanced biofuels through his cutting edge use of tools and techniques in synthetic genomic research. Dr. Venter will explore how this innovative scientific research will benefit society and the biotechnology industry, as well as create limitless new frontiers to explore in the areas of biofuels, environmental protection and healthcare.

Dr. Venter is founder and president of the J. Craig Venter Institute, a not-for-profit, research organization with more than 400 scientist and staff dedicated to human, microbial, plant, synthetic, and environmental genomic research, as well as to the exploration of social and ethical issues in genomics. The institute is located in both Rockville, Md. and La Jolla, Calif. Dr. Venter is also founder and president of Synthetic Genomics Inc., a privately held company developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global energy and environmental challenges.

In 1998, Dr. Venter founded Celera Genomics to sequence the human genome, using the whole-genome shotgun technique, new mathematical algorithms, and automated DNA-sequencing machines. The successful completion of this research culminated in the publication of the human genome in February 2001. He and his team at the Venter Institute continued this work and published the first complete diploid genome in 2007.

The BIO International Convention will highlight how biotechnology, the life sciences, investments, policy, and the international community work together to heal, fuel, and feed the world.

Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. To register, please visit bio2008/mediaregistration. Reporters and editors working full-time for print, broadcast, and online news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials. All freelancers, college and online publications are strongly encouraged to register in advance by Wednesday, June 4, 2008.

Registration for attendees is offered at an early-bird discounted rate until May 8, 2008. Online registration is available at bio2008/register.

The BIO International Convention helps to support the association's programs and initiatives. BIO works throughout the year to create a policy environment that enables the industry to continue to fulfill its vision of bettering the world through biotechnology innovation. For more information on the global event for biotechnology, including program, registration, and housing information, please visit bio2008.

Upcoming BIO Events

- BIO National Venture Conference
April 22-23, 2008
Boston, Mass.

- World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
April 27-30, 2008
Chicago, Ill.

- 2008 BIO International Convention
June 17-20, 2008
San Diego, Calif.

- Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
Sept. 10-12, 2008
Vancouver, B.C., Canada

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the annual BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

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