St. Norbert College is proud to announce that Dr. Francis Collins, internationally renowned physician‑scientist and former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will serve as the 2026 Chu Distinguished Lecturer. Dr. Collins will present on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Walter Theatre, located in the Abbot Pennings Hall of Fine Arts.

Dr. Collins’ lecture, titled “The Laboratory and the Cathedral: Both Can Be Places of Worship,” explores the relationship between science and faith, two realms often portrayed as being in conflict. Drawing from his own life and career, Dr. Collins challenges this assumption, arguing instead that scientific discovery can be a form of worship and wonder, not unlike spiritual practice.

A former atheist, Dr. Collins embraced Christianity during his medical training and has since become a leading voice in conversations at the intersection of science, ethics, and faith. He is the author of several influential books, including “The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief” and “The Road to Wisdom,” in which he reflects on the harmony between rigorous scientific inquiry and religious belief.

Dr. Collins is widely recognized for his extraordinary contributions to biomedical research. He led the Human Genome Project, one of the most significant scientific endeavors of the modern era, and later served as Director of the National Institutes of Health, overseeing the world’s largest supporter of biomedical research. As the longest‑serving NIH director, Dr. Collins worked under three U.S. presidents and guided the agency through major advances in research.

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.

The Chu Lecture is free and open to the public, though advance registration is required. Following the lecture, guests are invited to a reception featuring complimentary refreshments and desserts in Michels Ballroom on the second floor of Michels Commons. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Dr. Collins, take photographs, and participate in a book signing. Guests are welcome to bring their own books or purchase copies at the event.

In addition to the evening lecture, St. Norbert College will host the 2026 Chu Lecture Student Research Forum earlier that day, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Mulva Library (first floor). The forum will showcase innovative student research from St. Norbert College and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Student researchers will be stationed by their posters to discuss their work and answer questions in a relaxed, open‑house format. Visitors are encouraged to stop by for refreshments and enjoy a self‑guided walk‑through at their own pace.

The Dr. Benjamin T. Chu ’55 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. St. Norbert College extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Chu for funding this annual lecture and to Chu Distinguished Lecture Platinum Sponsors Maggie and Dr. John Raymond, representing the Medical College of Wisconsin, for their generous support.