Dr. Claire Fraser- We are not alone: The Human Microbiome in Health and Disease – 2019 Don Rix Distinguished Keynote Address – Genome BC

Inside and out, our bodies host trillions of microscopic organisms comprised of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses. This is the human microbiota and your microbiome is all the genes your microbiota contains. We share a symbiotic relationship with these organisms and they play an important role in our health and disease. A pioneer and global leader in genomic medicine, Dr. Claire M. Fraser is one of the most highly cited investigators in microbiology. In 1995, Dr. Fraser was the first to map the complete genetic code of a free-living organism — Haemophilus influenza — the bacterium that causes lower respiratory tract infections and meningitis in infants and young children. She helped launch the new field of microbial genomics and revolutionized the way microbiology has been studied. She and her team also sequenced the bacteria behind syphilis and Lyme disease, as well as the first plant genome and the first human-pathogenic parasite. Her work also helped identify the source of a deadly 2001 anthrax attack in one of the biggest investigations conducted by U.S. law enforcement. Genome BC is pleased to present Claire M. Fraser as the 2019 Don Rix Distinguished Keynote speaker. Join us as she discusses the structure and function of the human microbiome and the role it plays in health and disease. An engaging Q&A session with the audience will follow the talk. This event is free of charge; however, seating is limited and will reach capacity.