J. Craig Venter Institute Launches New Genomics Education Program in California

Program will give San Diego area teachers in-depth information about exciting
advances in genomics

LA JOLLA, Calif., July 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The J. Craig Venter
Institute (JCVI) announced today the launch of their genomics education
program in California. This comprehensive Genomics Course for Educators, to
be held at JCVI's La Jolla, California facility on July 29 through August 1,
2008, is designed for San Diego area teachers who want to become knowledgeable
about the rapidly evolving field of genomics.

JCVI received a private donation to provide stipends to each of the
participating teachers, along with a generous award from The San Diego
Foundation. This award provides each participating teacher with a classroom
set of laboratory equipment which includes: six electrophoresis apparatus, two
four-way power supplies, six variable micropipets (5-50 uL), a white light box
and two personal centrifuges.

The JCVI has been conducting courses for educators in their Rockville,
Maryland headquarters since 1998. Based on that success, and with a JCVI
laboratory now also located in La Jolla, Calif., the Institute's Education
Group sought to offer these important courses to teachers in California. The
course is designed to impart a thorough understanding of genomics to middle
and high school teachers who can then use this information to develop
comprehensive genomic lesson plans for their students. Topics covered in this
course include:

-- The biological process by which cells read and follow genetic instructions
-- Techniques in molecular biology for manipulating and studying DNA
-- Overview of whole genome shotgun sequencing and all the processes involved
in sequencing the human and other genomes
-- Overview of related genomic topics and societal issues surrounding genomics
such as gene therapy, personalized medicine, the Human Genome Project, privacy
of individual genetic information, and genetically altered crops.

As J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., President and Founder of the JCVI stated, "I
believe that our society is totally dependent on advances in science, and in
particular those in my field of genomics. If we are to fully realize the
benefits from genomics, we need a science literate society which will only be
possible by educating kids and their teachers about the latest techniques and
advances in genomics. We are proud of our contributions to this through our
mobile genomics laboratory and through the vital programs like our genomics
courses for educators. We look forward to bringing our expertise to the kids
and teachers of California and are grateful to The San Diego Foundation and
our other donors for their help in making this possible."

About the J. Craig Venter Institute and the Education Group
The JCVI is a not-for-profit research institute in Rockville, MD, and La
Jolla, Calif., dedicated to the advancement of the science of genomics; the
understanding of its implications for society; and communication of those
results to the scientific community, the public, and policymakers. Founded by
J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., the JCVI is home to approximately 400 scientists and
staff with expertise in human and evolutionary biology, genetics,
bioinformatics/informatics, information technology, high-throughput DNA
sequencing, genomic and environmental policy research, and public education in
science and science policy. The legacy organizations of the JCVI are: The
Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), The Center for the Advancement of
Genomics (TCAG), the Institute for Biological Energy Alternatives (IBEA), the
Joint Technology Center (JTC), and the J. Craig Venter Science Foundation. The
JCVI is a 501 (c) (3) organization. For additional information, please visit
http://www.JCVI.org.

The JCVI Education Group has designed the DiscoverGenomics! Science Education
Program as a science enrichment program taught in formal and informal learning
settings to reach students throughout their academic career. DiscoverGenomics!
staff works closely with classroom teachers or coordinators to ensure each
experience achieves the team's goals and objectives, reinforces specific
school standards and gives maximum exposure to science careers. The
DiscoverGenomics! staff has over 10 years experience working with young
students and adults. The program began by offering internships and simple
tours of the Maryland facility, and has expanded over the years to include
exciting components like the DiscoverGenomics! Mobile Lab Program.
DiscoverGenomics! Mobile Equipment Program, Professional Development and the
Visiting Student Program. To learn how you can support science and technology
advancement in your community contact Selina Hudgins at 858-200-1821 or
shudgins@jcvi.org.

About The San Diego Foundation
Founded in 1975, The San Diego Foundation is a broad-purpose community
foundation helping individuals, families and organizations carry out their
charitable plans, with the common goal of improving the quality of life in the
greater San Diego region. The Foundation evaluates and helps coordinate needs
with resources, so that charitable gifts are used effectively to address our
community's most critical needs, now and for generations to come.

SOURCE J. Craig Venter Institute

Heather Kowalski of J. Craig Venter Institute, +1-301-943-8879,
hkowalski@jcvi.org