Dr. Francis S. Collins, co-discoverer of the CF gene, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom-the Nation's highest civil award.

Dr. Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, is best known for his leadership of the Human Genome Project . He will receive the prestigious award for his revolutionary work in biomedical research.

In 1989, with support from the CF Foundation, Dr. Collins succeeded in identifying the defective CF gene and its protein product (CFTR). This achievement opened the door to understanding the disease at its most basic level. It was a momentous milestone in the effort to find a cure or control for people with CF.

President Bush will honor Dr. Collins and other recipients of the award at a White House ceremony on Monday, November 5.