In addition to his leadership of the public effort to sequence the human genome, Dr. Collins initiated and guided a wide range of follow-up projects in large-scale genomics: the International HapMap Project; the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements; the Knockout Mouse Project; the Mammalian Gene Collection; The Cancer Genome Atlas, which is a joint effort with the National Cancer Institute; and the Molecular Libraries Initiative and the Human Microbiome Project, both of which are part of the NIH Roadmap for Biomedical Research. He also played a leading role in applying the tools of genomics to understanding the risk factors for common diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, various types of cancer and mental illness. This work includes bold projects such as the Genetic Association Information Network and the Genes, Environment and Health Initiative.

Dr. Collins also founded an intramural program in genomics at NIH in 1993. NHGRI's Division of Intramural Research, which encompasses cutting edge research from basic science to clinical investigation, has emerged as one of the most successful research organizations in this rapidly moving and highly competitive field.


As a scientist, Dr. Collins has been a pioneer in the development of innovative genetic tools and the use of such tools to study the genetic factors that contribute to both rare and common human diseases. Throughout his career, his teams have made a number of important discoveries, including the genes for cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, a common type of adult leukemia and Huntington's disease.

Recently, his laboratory in NHGRI's intramural program has uncovered striking new insights into the cause, diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria, which is a rare disorder that causes a dramatic form of premature aging. To provide continuity for these ongoing projects and to allow him to continue to provide mentorship for trainees, Dr. Collins indicated he will remain deeply involved in his lab's work after August 1 by serving as a part-time, unpaid "special volunteer" at NIH. The Collins lab will be formally supervised by Lawrence Brody, Ph.D., a senior investigator in the NHGRI Genome Technology Branch.

Alan E. Guttmacher, M.D., a pediatric geneticist and the current deputy director of NHGRI, will be appointed acting director of NHGRI on August 1.

For more biographical information on Dr. Collins,
http://www.genome.gov/10000779.

Back to HCB News

More Voices