JCVI Gala “2015: A Genome Odyssey” Celebrates Discovery
On October 24th, JCVI welcomed 200 guests to our third annual gala “2015: A Genome Odyssey.” Our annual gala has become a signature La Jolla event, and this year’s guests were not disappointed. Guests experienced an evening odyssey through land, sea and space interacting with JCVI scientists to learn first-hand what explorations are happening today. Proceeds from the gala will support JCVI’s Innovation Fund.
As in past galas, our research was the focus. Guests learned how scientists Chris Dupont, PhD and Jeff Hoffman collect, filter and analyze the organisms we find as part of our Global Ocean Sampling Expedition. They also saw a demonstration by Orianna Bretschger, PhD on how microbial fuel cells can be used to clean wastewater streams.
During the dinner program, Craig Venter, PhD and Board Vice Chairman Erling Norrby, MD, PhD led guests through our timeline of discovery over the past 20 years. Craig also celebrated the career of Hamilton O. Smith. M.D., JCVI Distinguished Professor and Scientific Director, and presented him with JCVI’s inaugural Innovation Award. Throughout his career, Ham has been at the forefront of discoveries that have advanced the field of molecular biology. Ham received the 1978 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for “discoveries with far reaching consequences for genetics.” His methods have indeed led to innumerable breakthroughs by scientists around the globe, and his own work has led to some of the most profound discoveries in modern science.
All attendees agreed it was another beautiful and inspiring evening. Thank you to event sponsors BioMed Realty, CapitalOne, Human Longevity, Inc., Synthetic Genomics, NuVasive, CBRE, JLL, Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation, Celgene, Reena Horowitz, Iris and Matt Strauss and the Beyster Family Foundation Fund. Guests also delighted in our gift bags again this year. Sponsored by Kowalski Communications, the Esperos backpack was filled with donations from Tata Harper, Blue Lizard, Health Warrior, La Fresh, Thrive Market, Moon Cheese, Aromaflage, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, The Lodge Torrey Pines, Rite in the Rain and Waters Fine Foods & Catering.
For more information on JCVI’s 2016 gala, please contact the JCVI Development Office at development@jcvi.org.