Craig Venter is an American biologist and entrepreneur known for his pioneering work in genomics. He played a significant role in the Human Genome Project, which aimed to map all the genes in the human genome. Venter's research has advanced our understanding of genetics and its applications in medicine and biotechnology. In 2010, Venter and his team created the first synthetic life form, a bacterium named Mycoplasma mycoides, which was designed using a computer. This groundbreaking achievement demonstrated the potential for synthetic biology to create new organisms with specific functions, paving the way for innovations in various fields, including medicine and environmental science.