2009-08-17
Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD,
today officially became the 16th Director of the National Institutes
of Health (NIH). He was nominated to lead NIH by President Barack
Obama on July 8 and was
unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 7.
Dr. Collins is the former director of the
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at NIH, where he led the
effort to complete the Human Genome Project, a complex multidisciplinary scientific
enterprise directed at mapping and sequencing all of the human DNA and determining
aspects of its function. Dr. Collins
left his position as director of NHGRI in 2008 to explore other writing and
professional opportunities but has continued at NHGRI's Division of Intramural
Research as a Special Volunteer.
Some of Dr.
Collins’ early research focused on
sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and the hereditary persistence of fetal
hemoglobin. His research has also led to
the identification the genes responsible for the M4 type of adult acute
leukemia. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of
Sciences and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest
civilian honor given by the President, in November 2007.
Raynard Kington, MD,
PhD, who has served as Acting NIH Director since mid-October, will return to
his role as NIH Principal Deputy Director.
back to top
