J. Craig Venter, pioneering genomics scientist, dies at 79 after cancer treatment

J. Craig Venter, a leading figure in genomics, passed away at age 79. The cause was complications from a cancer treatment.

Venter’s work helped turn genetics from a craft into an industrial information platform, famously racing a government project to sequence the first human genome and drawing worldwide attention.

He also led unconventional ventures, such as sailing to collect marine genetic data and creating a synthetic bacterium by removing its natural genome and rebuilding it from synthesized genes.

While some scientists saw him as a profit‑driven entrepreneur and some businesspeople viewed him as a reckless scientist, Venter saw his role as using business tools to advance science, leaving a lasting impact on biotech.