Stephen M. Collins FRCPC, FRSC is a Canadian physician–scientist and gastroenterologist. He is a professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, known for his research on the microbiota–gut–brain axis and leadership in digestive health research.
Early life and education Collins was born in the United Kingdom and raised in London. He attended the London Oratory Grammar School before studying at Imperial College London and Westminster Hospital Medical School. He completed postgraduate medical training at the Universities of London and Leicester. Collins later subspecialized in gastroenterology at McMaster University in Canada and undertook research training at the Digestive Diseases Branch of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, United States.Mps_Admin. “Stephen Collins Receives the 2020 CAG Distinguished Service Award - Department of Medicine.” Department of Medicine, 9 Feb. 2023, medicine.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/stephen-collins-receives-the-2020-cag-distinguished-service-award.
Career Collins joined the faculty at McMaster University in 1981. In 1983, he founded and directed the Intestinal Diseases Research Unit, a role he held until 1993. He was among the first researchers in Canada to investigate the human microbiome, establishing the country’s first axenic–gnotobiotic (germ-free) facility in 2004.Nature News Feature. Microbiome research in Canada highlights gut–brain connections.
In 2008, he established the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, dedicated to the study of microbiota–host interactions in health and disease.“Research - Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute.” Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, 1 Sept. 2023, farncombe.mcmaster.ca/research.
Positions held at McMaster University Director, Intestinal Diseases Research Unit (1983–1993) Head, Division of Gastroenterology (1992–2006) Associate Dean for Research, Faculty of Health Sciences (2006–2019) Director, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute (2014–2024)McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences. Leadership appointments listing.
Research Collins investigated the microbiota–gut–brain axis in chronic intestinal diseases, with a focus on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and psychiatric comorbidity.The Globe and Mail. Gut feelings: Canadian researchers uncover the microbiota–brain link.CBC News. Canadian scientist explores gut bacteria’s link to mental health.
Awards and honours Distinguished University Professor, McMaster UniversityMcMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences. Distinguished University Professors 2019. President, Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)Governor General of Canada. Recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Fellow of the Royal Society of CanadaRoyal Society of Canada. New Fellows Announcement. Honorary Fellow, Royal College of Physicians of IrelandRoyal College of Physicians of Ireland. Honorary Fellows Listing.
References
External links McMaster University – Faculty profile: Stephen M. Collins Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute