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Genomics symposium set for May 18-19

May 11, 2000 By Brian Mattmiller

Nobel laureates, MacArthur geniuses and industry pioneers are on the card for the fourth annual ‘Frontiers of Genomics’ symposium May 18-19 on campus.

Sponsored by UW–Madison’s new Genome Center of Wisconsin, the symposium features some of the leading innovators in the genomics field, says Fred Blattner, a genetics professor and the center’s director. Topics include using sophisticated new DNA-based approaches to solve crime, the evolution of the first HIV treatment, and the nearly finished private race to map the human genome.

“This conference will be a chance to show people what top-shelf genomics researchers are capable of accomplishing,” says Blattner.

The event includes a mix of both basic research advances and current medical and social applications. Blattner says it will offer a rare opportunity for people to get the perspectives of university, government and industry scientists all in one place.

Speakers include:

  • Walter Gilbert, a Harvard University chemist, whose pathbreaking work in DNA sequencing earned him a Nobel Prize in 1980. He will speak at 1 p.m. Thursday in 125 Biochemistry, 420 Henry Mall.
  • Gene Myers, director of information research for Celera Genomics Corporation. Celera made headlines worldwide last month with news it was very close to completing a map of the human genome, and Myers is one of the developers of Celera’s sequencing technology. He will speak at 3 p.m. Thursday in 125 Biochemistry.
  • Jennifer Smith, forensics unit chief for the FBI, will talk about the increasing power of DNA forensics in solving crime and correcting false convictions. Her office worked on both the Unabomber case and the Monica Lewinsky “stained dress” scandal. She will speak at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Genetics/Biotechnology Center, 425 Henry Mall.
  • John Abelson, a professor with the California Technical Institute, will give a personal account of the creation of Agouronon Pharmaceuticals, his spinoff company that created the first protease inhibitor drugs to fight HIV. He will speak at 3:30 p.m. on Friday at Genetics/Biotechnology.

MacArthur “Genius grant” awardees Nancy Moran of the University of Arizona and Jillian Banfield of UW–Madison will also present separate talks.

The symposium will end Friday avening with a free 7 p.m. jazz concert at Music Hall, featuring UW–Madison music professor and bassist Richard Davis. Donations at the door will support Davis’ Retention Action Project, a program to support student diversity on campus.

For more information, contact Mary Simpson, Biotechnology Center, (608) 262-8607.