Keynote Address
J. Craig Venter
J. Craig Venter is the co-founder and CEO of Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI), a firm dedicated to using synthetic genomic techniques to produce a variety of alternative fuels. Founded in 2005, SGI seeks to lead the world in its ability to design, synthesize and assemble specifically engineered cell level bio-factories. The firm is developing new scientific processes to allow industry to design and test desired genetic modifications. After designing and producing a synthetic chromosome, the team plans to develop a proof of concept in a variety of bio-energy applications. The company believes that the synthetic chromosome, and eventually a synthetic cell, will become an integral tool for the energy industry.
Venter was the former president and founder of Celera Genomics, which became famous in 1999 for running a parallel version of the Human Genome Project for commercial purposes, using shotgun sequencing technology. The aim of the Celera project was to create a database of genomic data that users could subscribe to for a fee. Prior to Celera, Venter founded a not-for-profit research organization, The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), in 1992. TIGR and several other not-for-profit organizations Venter founded were merged in October 2006 to form the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI). The JCVI is a not-for-profit research institute dedicated to the advancement of the science of genomics; the understanding of its implications for society; and the communication of those results to the scientific community, the public, and policymakers.
Senator Harkin
Senator Harkin Senator Harkin is a fourth generation Iowan, and a graduate of Iowa State University. He first won election to the U.S. Congress from Iowa's Fifth Congressional District in 1974, defeating an incumbent in a long-standing Republican district.
Senator Harkin served in the House of Representatives for ten years and, in 1984, he again challenged an incumbent, winning election to the U.S. Senate. Iowans returned him to the U.S. Senate in 1990, 1996 and again in 2002, making him the first Iowa Democrat ever to earn a fourth Senate term.
As the chairman of the Senate agriculture, nutrition and forestry committee, Senator Harkin made sure that an energy title, the first of its kind, was included in the 2002 Farm Bill. Advancing the production of biofuels, especially cellulosic ethanol, and encouraging the growth of biobased industry is once again a top priority for Senator Harkin as he oversees the committee in drafting new legislation for the next Farm Bill.