5 controversies surrounding former NIH Director Francis Collins

1. BioLogos, the Human Genome Project and theistic evolution

Collins, who headed the NIH under three presidents from 2009 to 2021, has been celebrated by some Evangelicals and is often described as a "faithful presence" in the secular world. He has been widely recognized by some as a prominent Christian figure in public service, particularly for his leadership in integrating science and faith.

Collins founded BioLogos in 2007 with the mission to reconcile science and Christian faith, particularly addressing the perceived conflict between belief in evolution and God. BioLogos promotes the idea that science and faith are not in opposition, but can coexist.

Collins started BioLogos after writing his book, The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief in 2006, in which he argued that scientific discoveries such as the Human Genome Project — which he directed through the 1990s — reveal a universe that was purposefully designed by God.

The organization advocates for theistic evolution, which is the belief that God created the world through the process of Darwinian evolution. He has criticized biochemist Michael Behe, who has argued in favor of Intelligent Design.

Collins stepped down from leading BioLogos when he was appointed NIH director in 2009.