Science Friday Former NIH Director Reflects On Public Mistrust In Science
11 snips
Sep 26, 2024 
Join Francis Collins, former director of the NIH and COVID-19 vaccine pioneer, as he reflects on the current crisis of trust in science. He discusses how public health guidance evolved during the pandemic and the growing polarization over scientific issues, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue. Collins also shares his personal journey with prostate cancer, highlighting advancements in cancer care and the importance of early detection. He wraps up by exploring the future of AI in medicine and its impact on healthcare disparities.
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The Ditch of Disunity
- Francis Collins discusses the current state of society, marked by a decline in the appreciation of objective truth.
- This loss contributes to polarization and hinders the pursuit of wisdom, making it crucial to re-anchor ourselves to truth, science, faith, and trust.
An Unlikely Dialogue
- Dr. Collins participated in a debate with Wilk Wilkinson, a conservative podcast host critical of the government's COVID-19 handling.
- The event, titled "An Elitist and a Deplorable Walk into a Bar," aimed to model respectful disagreement despite differing viewpoints.
Embracing Failure in Science
- Failure in science is not an affront, but a crucial element of the scientific process.
- It provides opportunities for learning and improvement, as highlighted by Collins's personal experience with a failed experiment early in his career.
