Geneticist Francis Collins retires from NIH, calls for ‘respect’

WASHINGTON — Renowned geneticist Dr. Francis Collins, who has been a pivotal figure in the scientific community and served as the long-time director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announced his retirement on Saturday. The announcement comes at a time when the agency is facing significant challenges due to budget cuts and staff layoffs.

Collins, celebrated for his ability to bridge the gap between science and religion, did not disclose specific reasons for his sudden departure. In a statement, he expressed his honor at having worked at the NIH, which he described as a “crown jewel of the federal government.”

Dr. Collins began his journey at the NIH in 1993, where he was at the forefront of the Human Genome Project. This ambitious venture successfully mapped the human DNA instruction book by 2003, achieving this milestone two years ahead of schedule and spending $400 million less than expected.

During his tenure as NIH director, which spanned 12 years and three presidencies—those of Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden—Collins made significant contributions. He stepped down from the director role in October 2021, opting to return to his research laboratory to focus on diabetes and a genetic aging disorder. Additionally, he provided valuable counsel to President Biden on strategies to tackle hepatitis C.

With a budget of $48 billion, the NIH stands as the largest funder of biomedical research worldwide and traditionally enjoys strong bipartisan backing. Collins lauded NIH staff for their intellect, integrity, and dedication, asserting that they embody excellence and deserve respect and support.

Collins refrained from discussing his retirement further and did not grant interviews, stating his retirement took effect the prior Friday. However, within his message, he defended the NIH amidst upheavals associated with the Trump administration’s fiscal policies and the recent dismissal of over 1,000 employees.

Collins highlighted the significant contributions of NIH, citing advancements such as immunotherapy for stage 4 cancer survivors and the use of CRISPR gene editing in curing sickle cell disease, as products of longstanding NIH-supported research.

Early in his career, Collins notably discovered the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis, paving the way for effective treatments for the disease—a breakthrough achieved with an NIH grant supporting his research at the University of Michigan. As NIH director, he guided research to combat major diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and notably COVID-19, leading to vaccine developments that have saved countless lives.

Beyond his NIH accomplishments, Collins is recognized for his writings on the synergy between science and religion, earning him widespread acclaim.