Scientists in Conversation: Francis Collins

Francis Collins is a medical doctor and a geneticist. He was a member of the research teams which identified the genes for cystic fibrosis and Huntington Disease. In 1993 he replaced James Watson as director of the Human Genome Project, the largest biological research project ever undertaken.

In this interview, Francis Collins discusses:

• His early life, university education and how he got into genetics
• The role of genetics in medical treatment – present and future
• The importance of genetic vs environmental factors
• Science and religion
• The Human Genome Project
• The genome as a ‘book’
• Issues raised by the patenting of scientific and medical discoveries
• The exciting and challenging future genetics offers to young people interested in science