Podcast
Awe and wonder
Biology
Change
Podcasts
Politics
1 min read

Francis Collins: re-enchanting wisdom

Covid, faith, polarised politics and the battle for truth.

Nick is the senior editor of Seen & Unseen.

A man talks animatedly.

Listen now

Watch now

Francis Collins is a physician and geneticist whose groundbreaking work has led to the discovery of the cause of cystic fibrosis among other diseases. He led the Human Genome Project which first sequenced the entire human DNA, established the science-faith organisation BioLogos, and has gone on to serve three US presidents as the director of the National Institutes of Health.

Francis’ new book is titled The Road To Wisdom: On truth, science, faith and trust and covers some of the controversies and challenges he has faced personally in his public role as a scientist and government advisor leading the USA’s Covid response during the height of the pandemic.

In the light of the 2024 presidential election Justin and Belle talk to Francis about whether we can re-enchant truth, trust and wisdom in an increasingly polarised world. Francis Collins:

Support Seen & Unseen

Seen & Unseen is free for everyone and is made possible through the generosity of our amazing community of supporters.

If you’re enjoying Seen & Unseen, would you consider making a gift towards our work?

Podcast
Events
Podcasts
Re-enchanting
1 min read

Re-Enchanting... Live at Bradford Literature Festival

Chine McDonald, Lamorna Ash and Francis Spufford, on belief and how to navigate our 'age of crisis'.

Nick is the senior editor of Seen & Unseen.

a book festival panel listen to one of them speak.

Listen now

Recorded live at Bradford Literature Festival 2025, Belle Tindall brings together three of the most influential voices of the moment: Chine McDonald, Lamorna Ash and Francis Spufford. Together, they speak about what belief is, what it isn't, and how people are navigating our 'age of crisis'.

Watch now

Support Seen & Unseen

Since Spring 2023, our readers have enjoyed over 1,500 articles. All for free. 
This is made possible through the generosity of our amazing community of supporters.

If you enjoy Seen & Unseen, would you consider making a gift towards our work?
 
Do so by joining Behind The Seen. Alongside other benefits, you’ll receive an extra fortnightly email from me sharing my reading and reflections on the ideas that are shaping our times.

Graham Tomlin
Editor-in-Chief