This Fall, the Michigan Genomics Initiative (MGI) annual symposium is thrilled to welcome Dr. Francis Collins as our keynote speaker! 

Dr. Collins previously served as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 2009 to 2021. Prior to this role, he led the Human Genome Project and other genomics research initiatives as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). He also served as Acting Science Advisor to the President in 2022.

In addition to his basic genetic research and scientific leadership, Dr. Collins is known for his close attention to ethical and legal issues in genetics. He has been a strong advocate for protecting the privacy of genetic information and has served as a national leader in securing the passage of the federal Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act, which prohibits gene-based discrimination in employment and health insurance. Dr. Collins is also very interested in opening avenues for genome research to benefit the health of people living in developing nations.

More information and registration will be available later this year!