Dr. Francis Collins, Former NIH Director, Warns for the Future of U.S. Science

Former NIH director Dr. Francis Collins has voiced deep concerns about the future of American scientific research following severe budget cuts and mass firings under the Trump administration. In recent statements made as of March 2025, he criticized the growing politicization of science, the spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and policy shifts that have undermined the NIH’s ability to lead in medical research.

Collins emphasized that restoring public trust in science requires nonpartisan support, improved communication, and a return to truth-driven research practices. His comments build on broader industry warnings that drastic funding cuts and ideological interference now threaten not only the agency’s stability but also the overall health of U.S. and global research endeavors.