Benjamin Chu Lecture, "The Laboratory and the Cathedral: Both Can Be Places of Worship" featuring Dr. Francis Collins

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Many people today assume that science and faith are somehow in conflict. As a former atheist who became a Christian during medical training, and then went on to lead the Human Genome Project and serve as the Director of the National Institutes of Health, Francis Collins begs to differ. He sees God as the author of all creation. Science provides an opportunity to explore that creation, and through scientific discoveries to get a glimpse of God's mind. Collins finds Francis Bacon's words from centuries ago still apt: God gave us two books: the book of God's words (the Bible) and the book of God's works (nature). The two books can't be in conflict, since God is the author of both. Viewed in that way, science can be seen as a form of worship, and the laboratory and the cathedral are not all that different.

Following the lecture, enjoy complimentary refreshments and snacks plus a chance to meet Dr. Collins. He will be available for photographs and book signing. Bring your own book or purchase one at the event.

St. Norbert College is extremely proud to welcome our 2026 Chu Lecture Speaker, Dr. Francis Collins. Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., is the former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As the longest serving director of NIH — spanning 12 years and three presidencies — he oversaw the work of the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world, from basic to clinical research. Dr. Collins is a physician-geneticist noted for his landmark discoveries of disease genes and his leadership of the international Human Genome Project, which culminated in April 2003 with the completion of a finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book. He served as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the NIH from 1993-2008. Dr. Collins' research laboratory has discovered a number of important genes, including those responsible for cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, Huntington's disease, a familial endocrine cancer syndrome, and most recently, genes for type 2 diabetes, and the gene that causes Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a rare condition that causes premature aging.

Consider also stopping by at the Student Research Forum being held as an open house format from 2:00-4:00pm on Friday, April 17th. At your convenience, walk through to view research projects of undergraduates from St. Norbert College and the Medical College of Wisconsin. This event is free and open to the public, and light snacks and refreshments will be served.

Register for the student research forum, lecture, and post-reception by clicking REGISTER.

The Dr. Benjamin T. Chu Distinguished Lecture celebrates the meeting of faith and reason at Catholic institutions, as well as the major contribution that Norbertines have made through history to the sciences. The lecture invites scholars who not only have distinguished themselves in the physical sciences but who also have demonstrated that faith plays a significant role in their work and/or personal life.

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