NIH geneticist Dr. Francis Collins resigns

Bethesda, Md. -- Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, says he will resign Aug. 1.

Collins, 58, a physician-geneticist, said in a statement he is taking the action in order to explore writing projects and other professional opportunities.

He has served as NHGRI director since April 1993, leading the Human Genome Project to its successful conclusion in 2003, and subsequently initiating and managing a wide range of projects that built upon the foundation laid by the sequencing of the human genome.

"The key to success is having wonderful scientific opportunities and stellar colleagues with whom to work. That has been my great privilege here at NIH, an institution that stands for the very best in biomedical research," Collins said.

"Many challenges lie ahead as genomics increasingly becomes a leading force in medicine, and I leave my position supremely confident that NHGRI and NIH will continue to achieve notable success in meeting them."

Officials said Dr. Alan Guttmacher, currently NHGRI's deputy director, will be appointed acting director on Aug. 1.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.