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J. Craig Venter dies at 79; institute confirms death in San Diego
J. Craig Venter died on April 30, 2026, in San Diego after hospitalisation for side effects from cancer treatment. He was 79. The J. Craig Venter Institute announced his death.
Why It Matters
Venter was a central figure in genomics, contributing to the mapping of the first draft of the human genome. His passing marks the loss of a pivotal scientist in modern biology.
Timeline
1 Event
J. Craig Venter dies in San Diego at age 79
April 30, 2026
J. Craig Venter, who mapped the first draft of the human genome and helped scientists understand how genes shape our lives, died on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, in San Diego after being hospitalised for side effects from a recent cancer treatment. He was 79. The J. Craig Venter Institute, which has locations in La Jolla, California, and Rockville, Maryland, announced his death.