Craig Venter, the pioneer of genomics and a key figure in the human genome, died at the age of 79

Craig Venter, one of the biggest drivers of human genome sequencing and world reference in modern genomics, died at the age of 79 in San Diego, USA, due to complications from a new cancer, according to the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI).

Venter received the Prince of Asturias Prize for Scientific and Technical Research in 2001, along with other scientists, for his decisive role on the map of the human genome, leading the company Celera Genomics.

Among the milestones is the creation of the first self-replicating bacterial cell controlled by a chemically synthesized genome.

He also led marine genetic exploration projects to discover millions of new genes and expand knowledge about ocean microbiome and its impact on planet systems.