NIH Director Francis Collins is stepping down after 12 years
Collins has been director of the National Institutes of Health since 2009 and served under three U.S. presidents. NIH is the largest funder of basic and clinical biomedical research in the world.
Updated October 5, 2021 at 9:00 AM ET
Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, the largest funder of basic and clinical biomedical research in the world, says he will step down by the end of the year.
Collins, who has served three U.S. presidents as head of the institute for more than 12 years, made the announcement on Tuesday. An interim director has not been named. President Biden will nominate a permanent replacement, who must be confirmed by the Senate.
"It has been an incredible privilege. "I love this agency and its people so deeply that the decision to step down was a difficult one, done in close counsel with my wife, Diane Baker, and my family. I am proud of all we've accomplished."
