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WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on the stepping down of National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins after over 12 years of service:

“Dr. Collins’ tenure as Director of the National Institutes of Health was nothing short of admirable. From the beginning of his post in 2009, Dr. Collins led with integrity, transparency, and compassion amidst three Administrations and a continued global pandemic. Dr. Collins was also a steadfast advocate for the Children’s Inn at NIH – a place very close to my heart. He understood the support that it gave parents and children during a painful time, and he worked to gather support on all sides for this special safe haven.

“For over 12 years, Dr. Collins forged a better path for saving lives through extraordinary research and innovation at the NIH. He handled a growing budget with ease, proposed significant initiatives for critical research, and guided teams of scientists throughout the pandemic. I’m proud to call him a friend – and a fellow Michigander during his time at the University of Michigan – and I look forward to whatever the next chapter holds for him. I know Dr. Collins will continue to advocate for public health and much-needed research as he continues his leadership at the National Human Genome Research Institute.”

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