20-Sep-2004
Press Release

16TH International Genome Sequencing and Analysis Conference Features NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, Biologist E.O. Wilson and other Eminent Scientists

Conference in Washington, DC, highlights cutting-edge work in environmental genomics, human genomic medicine, biological energy production, evolutionary biology, and new sequencing technologies

GSAC also hosts half-day policy session on biodiversity and intellectual property issues

September 20, 2004

Rockville, MD — In the three years since the first analysis and publication of the human genome, the number of sequenced genomes from all branches of life has skyrocketed, the cost to do sequencing has decreased, and the application of genomic knowledge into and its impact on areas such as medicine and health have expanded exponentially. For the past 16 years the International Genome Sequencing and Analysis Conference (GSAC), organized by The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) and The J. Craig Venter Science Foundation (JCVSF), has been bringing together the leading researchers in this field to highlight their latest findings. This year's conference will continue this tradition.

GSAC XVI is chaired by J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., president, the J. Craig Venter Science Foundation and Chairman of TIGR's Board of Trustees; Eddy Rubin, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Energy (DOE), DOE Joint Genome Institute; and David Lipman, M.D., National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. The conference will be held September 27-30, 2004 in Washington, DC, a location that will enable researchers, policy-makers, legislators, educators, and students to interact and learn about the cutting-edge work in genomic research. Highlights of the conference include talks by:

  • Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who will discuss the NIH's biodefense research agenda in an era of heightened security and bioterrorism concerns
  • E.O. Wilson, Harvard's renowned biologist and environmentalist, who will discuss the "three dimensions of biology"
  • Dalia Cohen, Novartis Institute, who will explore the route from human genome data to small molecule therapeutics
  • Peter Lindblad, Uppsala University, on photobiological hydrogen production
  • Gregory Riggins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, discusses the genomic analysis of brain cancer
  • John Mattick, The University of Queensland, will discuss genomic programming and the role of noncoding RNA

In addition to those renowned speakers on a range of topics from environmental genomics and biological energy production to human genomic medicine and the ever-popular new advances in DNA sequencing technology, GSAC will host timely and lively policy-focused plenary session. Attendees will hear experts such as:

  • Christian Semper of the Smithsonian Institution
  • Jorge Soberon from CONABIO in Mexico
  • Leif Christoffersen of Diversa Corporation
  • Reid Adler, general counsel for the J. Craig Venter Science Foundation

This discussion will focus on various aspects of biodiversity, bioprospecting, and how developing countries manage their genetic diversity and handle intellectual property rights in the genomic era.

For more information on GSAC XVI, please check the conference website at http://www.tigr.org/conf/gsac or contact TIGR's Conference Department at (301) 610-5959.