Francis Collins

Imagine a world where diseases are detected before symptoms appear, where treatments are precisely tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup, and where the speed of medical innovation surpasses the threats to human health. This is not science fiction—it is the future of healthcare, and we are on the cusp of making it a reality.

The past two decades have ushered in extraordinary breakthroughs in genomics, precision medicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and biomedical research—transforming the way we prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. The completion of the Human Genome Project paved the way for personalized medicine, while advances in AI-driven diagnostics, mRNA vaccines, and gene therapy have changed the landscape of modern healthcare. But as we look ahead, we must ask:

1. How do we ensure that these innovations reach the people who need them most?

2. How do we build a healthcare system that is not only technologically advanced but also equitable, accessible, and financially sustainable?

3. How do businesses, policymakers, and investors work together to turn scientific discovery into real-world solutions?

Having had the privilege of leading the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 12 years, overseeing landmark initiatives such as the Cancer Moonshot, the BRAIN Initiative, and the All of Us Research Program, and guiding national efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, DR. FRANCIS COLLINS has seen firsthand how science and policy must work hand in hand to drive progress. The future of healthcare depends not only on breakthrough discoveries but on smart policies, strategic investments, and a commitment from business leaders to scale innovation responsibly.

Few scientific advancements have reshaped modern medicine as profoundly as genomics, precision medicine, and artificial intelligence (AI). The successful mapping of the human genome, a project DR. FRANCIS COLLINS had the honor of leading, revolutionized how we understand disease, develop treatments, and personalize patient care. But as transformative as this milestone was, we are only at the beginning of unlocking its full potential.

Precision medicine is shifting the healthcare model from reactive to proactive, allowing us to:

1. Predict disease risk before symptoms appear, enabling early intervention and preventative care.

2. Develop targeted therapies for cancer, rare diseases, and chronic conditions based on an individual’s genetic profile.

3. Use AI and machine learning to analyze vast datasets, improving diagnostics, accelerating drug discovery, and enhancing treatment planning.

During Dr. Collins' 12 years as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—under three U.S. Presidents—he had the opportunity to oversee major national healthcare initiatives such as the All of Us Research Program, the Cancer Moonshot, and the BRAIN Initiative. These efforts are laying the foundation for a future where medicine is more precise, more effective, and more personalized than ever before.

In this presentation he talks about why innovation alone is not enough. Breakthroughs in genomics, AI, and precision medicine must be scaled, regulated, and integrated into a healthcare system that ensures access for all patients—not just those with access to elite medical institutions.

Emphasizing that in realizing this vision, we must bridge the gap between scientific discovery, business investment, and healthcare policy. The companies and leaders who successfully navigate this evolving landscape—leveraging AI, expanding digital health infrastructure, and making precision medicine accessible—will not only drive medical progress but define the future of healthcare itself.

In a world of rapid change and deep uncertainty, how do we make sound judgments and navigate the complexities of modern life? In The Road to Wisdom, DR. FRANCIS COLLINS explores the four essential foundations of clear thinking: truth, science, faith, and trust.

Drawing on his pioneering work in the Human Genome Project, his leadership at the National Institutes of Health, and his deep engagement with ethics, philosophy, and Christian theology, Dr. Collins makes a compelling case for why these sources of wisdom are not only reliable but deeply interconnected.

Too often, we see these pillars treated as opposing forces—science versus faith, truth versus trust. Dr. Collins challenges this false divide, showing how each plays a critical role in shaping our understanding of the world and guiding us toward thoughtful, ethical decisions. With insight, humility, and a storyteller’s touch, he offers a vision for how we can restore balance in our thinking and find clarity in an era of division.

This keynote is an invitation to reflect, to question, and to rediscover the wisdom that emerges when we embrace the full spectrum of human knowledge. Audiences will leave with a renewed sense of purpose—and the tools to navigate life’s most pressing challenges with both reason and heart.

Information on book buys and signings is available upon request. 

Revered scientist DR. FRANCIS COLLINS shares his personal story of struggling with doubt while pioneering profound and impactful scientific inquiries. Formerly an atheist, Dr. Collins became a Christian after realizing he needed a worldview that encompassed his experience of nature and humanity. Based on his New York Times bestselling book The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, Dr. Collins makes a case for finding harmony between the scientific and spiritual worldviews that will appeal to audiences of all backgrounds.