ASCB Honors Francis Collins with the 2025 Public Service Award

ASCB’s Public Policy Committee is proud to announce that Dr. Francis Collins has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 ASCB Public Service Award.

The committee recognized Dr. Collins for his “strong defense of science in this perilous moment facing the American biomedical research community.” A brief version of the award presentation will be shared during the Keynote Symposium at Cell Bio 2025, taking place December 6–10 in Philadelphia.

Dr. Collins served as Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute and later as Director of the National Institutes of Health. Since retiring from the NIH in March, 2025, Collins has been vocal in his concern about the direction of the NIH and the American biomedical research enterprise.

In her letter inviting Dr. Collins to accept the award, Public Policy Committee Chair Holly Goodson praised his leadership, writing:

“Your willingness to raise your voice has distinguished you once again. You have spoken out not only on behalf of your fellow scientists and public servants, but—most importantly—on behalf of the American people, who deserve to understand what is being done in their name.”

She continued: “At a time when many would be content to rest on the laurels of a distinguished career—marked by groundbreaking scientific achievements and the leadership of one of the world’s foremost research institutions—you have instead chosen to devote your reputation and your voice to the defense of the scientific enterprise itself.”

The ASCB Public Service Award, selected annually by the Public Policy Committee, recognizes outstanding national leadership in support of biomedical research and sound science policy. Past recipients include Anthony Fauci, Donna Shalala, Elizabeth Blackburn, Harold Varmus, and Peter Hotez.

ASCB congratulates Dr. Collins on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his tireless advocacy on behalf of science and the public good.