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A participant in the NIH 2019-2020 Medical Research Scholars Program.

Photo Credit: National Institutes of Health

About This Photo

a tribute to

Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD Director of the National Institutes of Health
2009-2021

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With Deep Gratitude & Appreciation

United for Medical Research congratulates Dr. Francis S. Collins on his remarkable career and thanks him for his decades of public service and leadership.
Dr. Collins portrait
Credit: NIH
Dr. Collins, a physician-geneticist, is the longest serving presidentially appointed NIH director, having served three U.S. presidents over more than 12 years. During his tenure, the NIH has undertaken some of the most pressing health issues facing Americans, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, opioid use disorder, rare diseases and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has energized the bipartisan congressional commitment to medical research and grown the NIH budget from $30 billion in 2009 to $41.3 billion in 2021.
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Dr. Collins and President Biden
Credit: NIH/Chiachi Chang
February 2021
President Biden visited NIH on February 11, 2021 to learn more about the fundamental research behind the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines.
“
Millions of people will never know Dr. Collins saved their lives.
Countless researchers will aspire to follow in his footsteps… we look forward to his unmatched ability to unlock the possibilities within our reach and that define the best of who we are as Americans.
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President Joe Biden
— President Joe Biden 46th president of the United States
“
His steadfast leadership… has changed the course of biomedical research around the world and challenged the boundaries of science.
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U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro - CT
— U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT) Chair, House Appropriations Committee
Dr. Collins and President Obama shaking hands
Credit: Chris Smith, HHS
October 2009
NIH Director Francis Collins receives the National Medal of Science award at the White House, and is pictured here in a congratulatory handshake with President Obama.
Dr. Collins and the Dali Lama
Credit: NIH
March 2014
NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins and His Holiness the Dalai Lama speak on “The Role of Science in Human Flourishing” during the annual J. Edward Rall Cultural Lecture at the NIH.
“
A brilliant scientist in his own right, no one matches the ability of Dr. Collins to marshal and focus the scientific community. His concentrated attention to the well-being and health of people all over the world are literally unmatched.
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U.S. Representative Tom Cole - OK
— U.S. Representative Tom Cole (OK) Ranking Member, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
“
Dr. Francis Collins has been a champion for science and research. His tireless work and advocacy have been critical in making the case for continued U.S. leadership in biomedical research and helping everyone appreciate how these investments make a difference in families’ lives.
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U.S. Senator Patty Murray - WA
— U.S. Senator Patty Murray (WA) Chair, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
Dr. Francis Collins and Senator Barb Mikulski tour a research facility
Credit: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), NIH
March 2015
NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins and Senator Barb Mikulski tour a research facility at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. Senator Mikulski observes a high-speed robotic screening system, which analyzes thousands of chemical compounds to ascertain their effect on disease targets.
Dr. Francis Collins sings the National Anthem at the Nationals Park
Credit: NIH
May 2016
NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins sings the National Anthem at the Nationals Park in honor of Federal Workforce Day and Public Service Recognition Week.
“
I have always appreciated how effectively Dr. Collins has worked with the Congress to help us achieve a pattern of substantial, historic federal increases in NIH funding. While his departure will be a tremendous loss for NIH, he has chosen 24 of the 27 NIH institute directors and has helped create a strong network of researchers all over the country who will continue making progress toward lifesaving medical breakthroughs.
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U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (MO)
— U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (MO) Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
“
Dr. Collins has profoundly changed the trajectory of the NIH during his tenure as director – largely through his infectious excitement about the possibilities of biomedical research and unique ability bridge divides and build congressional champions. On behalf of all United for Medical Research member organizations, thank you Dr. Collins for your steadfast commitment to public health.
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Chol Pak, UMR President
— Chol Pak, UMR President
Dr. Francis Collins receives his first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
Credit: NIH
December 2020
NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins receives his first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the NIH Clinical Center during the HHS/NIH COVID-19 Vaccination Event.
Dr. Collins in the lab
Credit: NIH

Thank You

Dr. Francis S. Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health

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Our Members

UMR is a coalition of leading research institutions, patient and health advocates and private industry seeking steady and sustainable increases in funding for the National Institutes of Health in order to save and improve lives, advance innovation and fuel the economy.