2027 Dr. Francis S. Collins Scholar Award Recipient, Maximilian Horlbeck, MD, PhD
The American Pediatric Society (APS) and Society for Pediatric Research® (SPR) are pleased to announce that Maximilian Horlbeck, MD, PhD, has been selected as the 2027 Dr. Francis S. Collins Scholar Award recipient.
This award honors Dr. Francis S. Collins’s remarkable scientific contributions. It is presented to one outstanding junior investigator participating in the APS SPR Journeys 2026-2027 Program, recognizing their promise and potential for future success in academic pediatric research. Dr. Collins is a physician-scientist who was director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 2009-2021, serving under three presidents. Before being appointed NIH Director, he led the Human Genome Project as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, one of the 27 NIH institutes and centers. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, National Medal of Science, Presidential Medal of Freedom, among other awards and recognitions. Relevant to Journeys, Dr. Collins has hosted many trainees and junior clinician-scientists in his own lab over the years and spearheaded national mentoring initiatives to provide support to the next generation of biomedical researchers.
Dr. Horlbeck leads an innovative research program focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of chromatin-related genetic disorders in children. His work bridges clinical genetics and cutting-edge molecular research to uncover the mechanisms underlying these conditions and identify opportunities for the development of targeted therapies. As an attending physician in Medical Genetics at Boston Children’s Hospital and a leader of the Horlbeck Lab, he is dedicated to translating scientific discoveries into meaningful advances in the diagnosis and care of children with rare genetic conditions. His commitment to integrating research and clinical care holds promise for improving outcomes for children and families affected by these complex disorders.
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About the American Pediatric Society
The American Pediatric Society (APS) founded in 1888 as the first pediatric society in North America, is committed to strengthening academic pediatrics by expanding the workforce, nurturing leaders, and developing innovative approaches to address child and adolescent health challenges. APS’s more than 1,800 members are recognized leaders in pediatrics who work together to advance the Society’s vision of a healthier future for all children and adolescents. For more information, please visit aps1888.org, and follow us on Facebook and X.
About the Society for Pediatric Research®
The Society for Pediatric Research® (SPR) cultivates a diverse network of child health researchers through collaboration, community, mentorship, and advocacy. Since 1929, SPR has connected and empowered pediatric scientists across North America and the Caribbean who are dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and improving child health. Today, SPR serves more than 4,200 researchers united by a shared vision of promoting child health through a flourishing community of diverse researchers at the forefront of scientific discovery. For more information, please visit societyforpediatricresearch.org, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Bluesky.
