< BIG IDEAS
A conversation with Craig Venter
Join us for an evening of conversation and discovery with genomics pioneer Craig Venter. This event is presented by the Stowers BIG IDEAS series.
Registration opens soon! Save the Date.
Dec 022025
Stowers Institute
Craig Venter, Ph.D., founder of the J. Craig Venter Institute and a pioneer of genomics will sit down with Stowers President and Chief Scientific Officer Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Ph.D., for a thoughtful discussion exploring the frontiers of science, innovation, and the human genome.
Venter is known for leading one of the first draft sequences of the human genome and led the first team to transfect a cell with a synthetic chromosome as well as founding the J. Craig Venter Institute.
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the announcement of the first draft of the human genome at the White House. Venter will discuss a revolution still in progress and why today's technology will propel us further.
The evening will include audience Q&A and a post-event reception in the Institute's Library.
Registration opens soon. Save the Date.
Speakers
Agenda
Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025
| Title | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
Check-in | Check-in at the entrance of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. | 5:00- 6:00pm |
A conversation with Craig Venter | Craig Venter, Ph.D., and Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado take the stage for a discussion about the human genome project, the future of biology, and the impact of scientific discovery on human health. | 6:00- 6:45pm |
Reception | A reception with light bites and refreshments will be held in the Institute's library. | 6:45- 8:30pm |
Learn more about the research
Sequencing the Human Genome
The human genome is the complete set of genetic information, stored as DNA within the nucleus of nearly every one of the trillions of cells in the human body. Every person’s genome is different and is a large part of what makes us into unique individuals.
The first effort to decode the human genome, considered a draft sequence, resulted in its publication in 2001. Six years later a high quality sequence—called a diploid genome—of a single individual was published, containing all genetic information from both parents.
A Human Genomics Revolution Still In Progress
Despite profound impact on bio-medical research, progress in understanding has been challenging over the past two decades. But Venter explains, "After 25 years, the field of human genomics is now starting over with the right technology to do full diploid phased genomes. So, we are at the point where we can actually have, and test, genome changes in place of just a collection of short snippets if DNA."
Read a perspective piece by Craig Venter on the 25th Anniversary of the White House announcement of the first sequencing of the Human Genome.
BIG IDEAS
A Conversation with Craig Venter is presented by Stowers BIG IDEAS Lecture Series. Our next flagship BIG IDEAS lecture will take place in April, 2026.
BIG IDEAS is a scientific lecture series from the Stowers Institute that explores how science informs and inspires our communities. It aims to bring cutting-edge and provocative scientific ideas in an engaging and accessible way to the greater Kansas City community. The series is designed to inspire a thirst for scientific knowledge and illustrate the roles that scientific discoveries play in our lives and communities. This premier public lecture series is held twice per year.
BIG IDEAS: Reflections of a Plant Intelligence Maverick took place in March 2025, inviting Paco Calvo, Ph.D. and "Kate the Chemist" to the Institute. To stay in the loop about the next BIG IDEAS lecture in April 2026, join our mailing list using the button below. We look forward to seeing you at the Institute!
Event Venue
Stowers Institute
Our 10-acre campus is situated in the heart of Kansas City. Located next to the University of Missouri-Kansas City and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, our members are part of an academic neighborhood. You can immerse yourself in the arts, visit landmarks such as the Linda Hall Scientific Research Library, and find inspiration to fuel creative thinking.
At the Stowers Institute you are also within walking distance to Loose Park, the Trolley Trail, the Brookside Neighborhood, and the Country Club Plaza. You have convenient access to some of the best coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping the city has to offer.
Stowers Institute
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Learn more about the Stowers Institute
Why foundational research? Exploring the fundamental processes of biology is essential in our quest to understand the secrets of life. Research at the Stowers Institute is rooted in the audacious vision of our founders, Jim and Virginia Stowers, and their unwavering commitment to helping people live healthier lives. Today, their vision has become a remarkable reality.
