Physician–scientist and humanitarian leader DR. FRANCIS COLLINS speaks to what it means to lead when decisions carry real human consequence. Drawing on decades of public service, including guiding the NIH through moments of national crisis, he reflects on how compassion, humility, and ethical judgment shape leadership under pressure. Audiences hear how trust is earned, how science can serve people rather than politics, and why humanity must remain central when stakes are highest.

In 1900, the average American lived just 47 years. Nearly one in five children died before their fifth birthday. Today those numbers have dramatically improved, but that was not a given – it required major investments in medical research over many decades. The scientific and medical research ecosystem of the United States, including academia, government, philanthropy, and industry, has been a major source of economic growth, and has made it possible for the U.S. to lead the world in innovation for decades, including the development of groundbreaking new approaches to prevention and treatment of disease.  

But in 2025 the whole edifice of American biomedical research is under attack, with serious damage already inflicted on load-bearing walls. The breadth and depth of the flood of actions on research staff, budget, and priorities has left the usual stakeholders reeling. For an effective response, the American people across the country need to hear a steady stream of compelling stories from those whose lives have been deeply touched by advances in medical research, or who are still waiting for an advance that might now never happen. If we do nothing, the consequences for the future will be severe. If we act quickly, a renewed opportunity can be provided for science and medical research to flourish, supporting an acceleration of this noble enterprise that aims to prevent disease, reduce suffering, and save lives.

Few scientific advancements have reshaped modern medicine as profoundly as genomics, precision medicine, and artificial intelligence (AI). The successful mapping of the human genome, a project DR. FRANCIS COLLINS had the honor of leading, revolutionized how we understand disease, develop treatments, and personalize patient care. But as transformative as this milestone was, we are only at the beginning of unlocking its full potential.

Precision medicine is shifting the healthcare model from reactive to proactive, allowing us to:

• Predict disease risk before symptoms appear, enabling early intervention and preventative care.
• Develop targeted therapies for cancer, rare diseases, and chronic conditions based on an individual’s genetic profile.
• Use AI and machine learning to analyze vast datasets, improving diagnostics, accelerating drug discovery, and enhancing treatment planning.

During Dr. Collins' 12 years as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—under three U.S. Presidents—he had the opportunity to oversee major national healthcare initiatives such as the All of Us Research Program, the Cancer Moonshot, and the BRAIN Initiative. These efforts are laying the foundation for a future where medicine is more precise, more effective, and more personalized than ever before.

In this presentation he talks about why innovation alone is not enough. Breakthroughs in genomics, AI, and precision medicine must be scaled, regulated, and integrated into a healthcare system that ensures access for all patients—not just those with access to elite medical institutions.

Emphasizing that in realizing this vision, we must bridge the gap between scientific discovery, business investment, and healthcare policy. The companies and leaders who successfully navigate this evolving landscape—leveraging AI, expanding digital health infrastructure, and making precision medicine accessible—will not only drive medical progress but define the future of healthcare itself.

In a world of rapid change and deep uncertainty, how do we make sound judgments and navigate the complexities of modern life? In The Road to Wisdom, DR. FRANCIS COLLINS explores the four essential foundations of clear thinking: truth, science, faith, and trust.

Drawing on his pioneering work in the Human Genome Project, his leadership at the National Institutes of Health, and his deep engagement with ethics, philosophy, and Christian theology, Dr. Collins makes a compelling case for why these sources of wisdom are not only reliable but deeply interconnected.

Too often, we see these pillars treated as opposing forces—science versus faith, truth versus trust. Dr. Collins challenges this false divide, showing how each plays a critical role in shaping our understanding of the world and guiding us toward thoughtful, ethical decisions. With insight, humility, and a storyteller’s touch, he offers a vision for how we can restore balance in our thinking and find clarity in an era of division.

This keynote is an invitation to reflect, to question, and to rediscover the wisdom that emerges when we embrace the full spectrum of human knowledge. Audiences will leave with a renewed sense of purpose—and the tools to navigate life’s most pressing challenges with both reason and heart.

Information on book buys and signings is available upon request. 

Revered scientist DR. FRANCIS COLLINS shares his personal story of struggling with doubt while pioneering profound and impactful scientific inquiries. Formerly an atheist, Dr. Collins became a Christian after realizing he needed a worldview that encompassed his experience of nature and humanity. Based on his New York Times bestselling book The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, Dr. Collins makes a case for finding harmony between the scientific and spiritual worldviews that will appeal to audiences of all backgrounds.

Drawing on his former leadership of the National Institutes of Health, DR. FRANCIS S. COLLINS will examine how advances in genomics, stem cells, AI, and precision medicine are leading to dramatic progress against a wide range of disorders. But he will also focus on how current societal polarization threatens this progress by destabilizing traditional anchors of truth, faith, and trust. A path forward for flourishing of “We The People” will be proposed.