The Center will exploit different sets of expertise among the three collaborating laboratories, each of which brings special strengths to the project. Steven Benner, trained as an organic chemist, brings synthetic chemical skills, expertise in the enzymology of RNA-like systems, and computational tools for molecular evolution. Gerald Joyce, trained as a biochemist, brings expertise in the design of complex selection systems, non-enzymatic nucleic acid assembly, and prebiotic chemistry. Jack Szostak, trained as a cell biologist, brings expertise in the architecture of in vitro evolution experiments, quantitative analysis of laboratory evolution experiments, and the design of artificial cells and compartments.

			Dr. Jack Szostak Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Computational & Integrative Biology 185 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02114
			Dr. Gerald Joyce The Scripps Research Institute Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biology 10550 N Torrey Pines Road La Jolla, CA 92037
			Dr. Steven Benner The Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution 1115 NW 4th Street Gainesville, FL 32601