Also at ASGT: Collins Steps Down

Francis Collins spoke for the first time after announcing his resignation after fifteen years as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute. Collins presided over the completion of the human genome project, as well as a series of other genome sequence and other "big-science" programs like the HapMap.

Attendance at Collins' talk seemed surprisingly spotty. His speech did not particularly highlight gene transfer research; the subject was stacked like cord wood along with other genome project achievements like pharmacogenetics and drug target identification. Perhaps tellingly in terms of where he sees the biggest impact of genomics, Collins said he intends to write a book on personalized genomics.

Collins did, nevertheless, offer a tip of the hat to the Leber's Congenital Amaurosis study, saying he was "exhilarated" by it. To be continued...(photo credit: dawn m. armfield 2007)