AACR applauds nomination of Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., to be the new NIH director

The American Association for Cancer Research applauds President Obama's nomination of Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., to be the 16th director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Dr. Collins is an excellent scientist and skillful administrator," said Tyler Jacks, Ph.D., president of the American Association for Cancer Research. "His leadership of the National Human Genome Research Institute and the Human Genome Project has demonstrated his talent for identifying new areas of investigation and his skill in guiding large-scale research endeavors. He has continued and extended this work through collaborations with scientists at the National Cancer Institute on The Cancer Genome Atlas, an effort to understand the genetic basis of the many diseases we call cancer.

"Dr. Collins' vision and leadership will be critical in realizing the promise of cancer research and of biomedical research more generally to revolutionize health care. As we look for innovative ways to help the United States sustain its leadership in medical research, expand training opportunities for the next generation of scientists, and stimulate local and regional economies to create jobs, Dr. Collins' experience and insight will be invaluable," said Jacks.

The AACR looks forward to working with Dr. Collins as new scientific discoveries transform the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The AACR urges the Senate to confirm him with haste.

Source: American Association for Cancer Research