A trailblazing physician-geneticist will make two appearances this weekend at Southern Methodist University — one a free public symposium on Friday and then delivering the commencement address on Saturday.
Francis S. Collins led the Human Genome Project before becoming director of the National Institutes of Health. His personal research led to the isolation of the genes responsible for cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, Huntington’s disease, and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.
Francis S. Collins [Photo Courtesy SMU]
He will speak at 3 p.m. Friday during a public symposium in Crum Auditorium in the Collins Executive Education Center, 3150 Binkley Ave.
Collins will be joined by Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, president of the UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Pia Vogel, professor of biological sciences at SMU, in talking about emerging advances in biomedical research, according to a new release.
He also will discuss innovation and translational science with Steven C. Currall, SMU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.
To RSVP for the event and get parking information, email [email protected] or call 214-768-1404.
On Saturday, Collins will deliver the commencement address and will receive the degree Doctor of Science, honoris causa, at the ceremony, SMU said in the release.
“His life is testament to a strong, unwavering commitment to the search for scientific knowledge paired with deep religious faith.”
Gerald R. Turner
“We are honored to have a pioneering scientist and national leader of Dr. Collins’ stature as featured speaker at commencement,” SMU President R. Gerald Turner said in the release. “His life is testament to a strong, unwavering commitment to the search for scientific knowledge paired with deep religious faith. He has much to share with us.”
The processional begins at 9 a.m. and Collins is scheduled to speak at about 10 a.m. You’ll be able to follow Collins’ remarks via Facebook Live at facebook.com/smudallas. The ceremony, including Collins’ speech, will also stream live at smu.edu/live.
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