Francis Collins to step down as NIH director by year's end

[SouthBayDem]

Source: Politico

National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins plans to step down by the end of the year after nearly three decades at the agency, including 12 years at the helm, the agency announced Tuesday.

The 71-year-old physician-geneticist led the agency under three consecutive presidents — making him the first presidentially appointed NIH director to serve in more than one administration and the longest-serving NIH director.

His departure, first reported by POLITICO on Monday night, had been in the works for some time, one person familiar said.

"I fundamentally believe ... that no single person should serve in the position too long, and that it’s time to bring in a new scientist to lead the NIH into the future," Collins said in a statement.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/10/04/francis-collins-nih-step-down-515114

[cadoman]

1. thank you for your amazing service in these difficult times Mr. Collins

From my reading of the position, it looks like Biden will get to appoint a new director.

Collins had a unanimous confirmation in 2009. Hopefully the appointment of Collins' replacement isn't too rocky.