The National Human Genome Research Institute is losing one
of its prestigious researchers in the name of Dr. Francis Collins M.D., Ph.D. who,
on May 28, announced his intention to step down from his position as director
of the institute on August 1.
Collins, 58, best known for piloting the human genome
project, took the helm of the NHGRI, part of the U.S. National Institutes of
Health in Bethesda, Maryland, in April 1993. The reason behind
his decision is his wish to explore writing projects and other professional
opportunities and not, as some voices inside the institute would say, problems
with NIH leadership.
“I am not leaving because of any problems of disagreements
with NIH leadership,” the Washington Post quotes him. Dr. Collins wanted to
express his confidence in the institute’s researchers that they will continue
to “achieve notable success” in biomedical research.
NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. had only praising words
to describe Collins’ activity inside the institute.
“Francis has provided 15 years of outstanding leadership to
NHGRI and has been a trailblazer in the scientific community at large. His
contributions to the world of genomics and medicine have been enormous. He has
been a tremendous colleague, friend, and brilliant visionary. I know that he
will continue to make groundbreaking advances in biomedical research,” Zerhouni
said in a statement on the institute’s Web site.
He further expressed his gratitude to have had the opportunity
to work with Dr. Collins and, at the same time, his regret to see him leaving
the institute.
Dr. Collins has dedicated years of research to discovering genes that
explain who gets cystic fibrosis, diabetes and other illnesses. Last year, he
was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award for
expanding understanding of DNA, thus joining other great names like economist
Gary S. Becker, Cuban political prisoner Oscar Elias Biscet, former Congressman
Henry J. Hyde of Illinois, renowned author of "To Kill a
Mockingbird," Harper Lee, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, civil
rights activist Benjamin Hooks and Brian P. Lamb, founder of C-Span.
His research has led to new medicines such as Tarceva, the Genentech Inc.
lung cancer drug and Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s Velcade.
In fact, Dr. Collins said himself that “the study of the human genome has completely
transformed medical research, and is on the way to transforming clinical
practice.”
Dr. Collins is also known for his 2006 best-selling book, “The
Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief,” which asserts that
genetics and evolution reflect God’s creativity. In an interview with Bob
Abernethy, host of PBS’ Religion and Ethics News Weekly, he said, “Watching our
own DNA instruction book emerge letter by letter … provided a profound sense of
awe unlike anything I could've imagined. It was, after all, reading the
language of God.”
Dr. Collins announced his plan to work on a new book about personalized
medicine and he also said he would be interested in helping with a presidential
campaign if asked. Moreover, he would be “crazy to say no” to becoming the next
NIH director, he said, making public some of his future intentions.
Alan E. Guttmacher, M.D., the NHGRI’s current deputy director
will be appointed acting director on August 1, Zerhouni announced.
