One of the key scientists involved in the Human Genome Project will be visiting Bermuda next week to give a lecture at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research .

The project sequenced all the genes that make up the genetic complement of humans - creating a map which will allow scientists to further explore and understand the building blocks of life through analysing the genes and their associated proteins.

Visiting scientist Dr. Craig Venter's work was vital to the watershed project.

In 1998 he founded Celera Genomics and announced that the company would complete the decoding of the human genome more quickly and more economically than a publicly funded consortium of scientists.

Dr. Venter's challenge forced a rival, publicly-funded team to play catch up after, under his leadership at Celera, the company sequenced billions of chemical base pairs that make up human DNA in just over two years.

Former US president Bill Clinton called the project “the most important, most wondrous map ever produced by mankind” when its completion was announced at a White House press conference.

While the public researchers made all of their genetic information readily available to scientists, Celera kept some of its research to itself, selling subscriptions to academic institutions, companies and researchers.

Critics complained Celera's work couldn't be properly reviewed if it was accessible by fee only but Dr. Venter was unapologetic and said Celera's genetic data was sound.

He has since stepped down from Celera to pursue research as the company turns toward drug development and is one of the most frequently cited scientists in biology and medicine in the world.

Dr. Venter founded the Institute for Genomic Research in 1992 with his wife Dr. Claire Fraser and currently serves as the institute's chairman.

He will be speaking on “Genomics: From Microbes to Humans and What Lies Ahead” at the Biostation on Ferry Reach next Thursday.

“The insights Dr. Venter provides into genomic research and its impact on the future will be particularly relevant as BBSR enters a major new phase of its ocean genomic research programme,” said the press release on the scientist's visit.

“This programme includes a bioprospecting initiative in which BBSR scientists use the tools of genomics and genetic engineering to search for bioactive molecules with enormous potential value to the medical and industrial worlds.

“This search is focused primarily on Bermuda's inshore coral reef environment, but it is now expanding to include further investigation of deep ocean organisms, to which scientists in Bermuda have unique daily access.”

Dr. Venter's lecture will begin at 6:30 p.m. on May 9 and tickets are available to the public for $10, while admission is free for BBSR donors. Space is limited and reservations can be made in advance by calling 297-1880 ext. 206 or e-mailing apopebbsr.edu.