Dr. Francis S. Collins, a well-known geneticist who led the National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.) for 12 years, recently announced his retirement from the institutes and the federal government. In his departing statement, Dr. Collins expressed gratitude for his colleagues and offered a subtle message to the Trump administration, which had dismissed hundreds of N.I.H. employees.
During his tenure, Dr. Collins, 74, served under three U.S. presidents: Barack Obama, Donald J. Trump, and Joseph R. Biden Jr. He played a crucial role in guiding the nation through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic by contributing to the development of new tests, treatments, and vaccines.
Dr. Collins did not provide a specific reason for his retirement and declined interviews. His retirement announcement comes just before the Senate confirmation hearing for President Trump’s nominee to succeed him at the N.I.H., Dr. Jay Bhattacharya from Stanford University. Dr. Bhattacharya, known for his criticism of Dr. Collins, was one of the authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, a document opposing lockdown measures during the peak of the pandemic in October 2020.
Dr. Collins’ departure marks the end of an era at the N.I.H., leaving behind a legacy of dedication to public health and scientific excellence. His retirement signals a transition at the N.I.H., as a new director prepares to step into the role amidst ongoing public health challenges and scientific advancements.