26-JUL-2010

Media Day Circus On Sorcerer II

June 23nd

On Monday June 21st we announced the official start of the Mediterranean leg of the Sorcerer II Global Ocean Sampling Expedition. Dr. Venter took time from his busy schedule to fly into Valencia and attend the event as well as representatives from The Life Technology Foundation. The first part of the day was dedicated to media (newspapers, radio and T.V.), which included local Valencia and national outlets from Madrid. For more on press information please click here, on the linked page you can find press release info and fact sheets.

Me Being Interviewed, Not Really A Media Circus For Me!
Me Being Interviewed, Not Really A Media Circus For Me!
Dr. Venter Being Interviewed
Dr. Venter Being Interviewed

The second half of the afternoon was spent with Spanish collaborators and high ranking government officials.

John, Karolina, Tea, Sarah, Charlie, Craig, Heather, Erling, Me, Jeremy and Bea
John, Karolina, Tea, Sarah, Charlie, Craig, Heather, Erling, Me, Jeremy and Bea
Sorcerer II All Dressed Up For Media Day!
Sorcerer II All Dressed Up For Media Day!

The next day Craig was invited by his good friend and colleague Dr. Santiago Grisolia to give a talk to a small group of local scientists and students. The talk was about the first self-replicating, synthetic bacterial cell, which was recently published in Science. The announcement made news worldwide and as you could imagine the audience was very intrigued!

Dr. Venter At His talk
Dr. Venter At His talk
Sorcerer II crew, Brett Shipe, Craig, Heather, Dr. Santiago Grisolia and his wife Frances
Sorcerer II crew, Brett Shipe, Craig, Heather, Dr. Santiago Grisolia and his wife Frances