Renowned Geneticist and Former NIH Director Francis Collins to Headline Whitworth’s Fall President’s Leadership Forum on Oct. 2
Collins is one of the best-known scientists of the current era. He served as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 12 years under three Presidents. He is known for his discoveries of disease genes, for leading the Human Genome Project, and for championing the harmony of science and faith.
“His visit represents a tremendous opportunity for the Whitworth community and the broader public to engage with one of the most prominent and respected scientific leaders of our time,” Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin says. “Dr. Collins truly embodies the integration of scientific excellence and personal faith, something that aligns perfectly with Whitworth’s mission to educate both mind and heart.”
From 1993-2003, under Collins’ leadership, the Human Genome Project produced a finished sequence of human DNA. Collins then convened other teams to create powerful tools and strategies to advance biological knowledge about humans and improve their health.
Collins was involved in a historic series of research partnerships over the course of his career addressing illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Formerly an atheist, Collins became a Christian in his 20s after realizing that perspective did not provide answers to profound questions about the meaning of life and was also inconsistent with observations about the nature of the universe and humankind. He wrote about finding harmony between the scientific and spiritual worldviews in The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, which spent 20 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list.
In 2007, he founded BioLogos, based on the conclusions he reached about how life, or bios, came about through God’s word, or logos. He served as its president until he was required to resign following his appointment as NIH director. Now retired from NIH, he currently serves that foundation as a senior fellow.
Collins received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Virginia, a doctorate in physical chemistry from Yale University, and a medical degree from The University of North Carolina. He is an elected member of both the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2007 and received the National Medal of Science in 2009. In 2020, he was elected as a Foreign Member of the Royal Society (UK) and was also named the 50th winner of the Templeton Prize, which celebrates scientific and spiritual curiosity.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
About the President’s Leadership Forum:
The Whitworth President’s Leadership Forum draws key national leaders to the Inland Northwest to provide wisdom and insight on a variety of contemporary issues. Speakers have included Liz Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Gen. Colin Powell, journalist Bob Woodward and author Michael Lewis.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu
