Dr. Kristine Torjesen has been announced as the third president and new chief executive officer of BioLogos, the faith and science think tank founded by world-renowned biologist and apologist Francis Collins.
Torjesen succeeds Dr. Deborah Haarsma, who led the think tank for 12 years before stepping down at the end of 2024. The new president and CEO assumes her role in March 2025.
Collins said he was "absolutely delighted" at the news of Torjesen’s appointment, highlighting her strengths as both a physician and a committed follower of Jesus.
"Kristine will be an inspiring leader for this foundation, which has become the recognized leader in seeking harmony between science and Christian faith, and is needed more than ever in these troubled times," said Collins, who led the Human Genome Project and is a former director of the National Institutes of Health.
"Kristine brings broad knowledge of the sciences as well as deep experience in real-world applications through her role in overseeing complex human clinical trials. More than that, she clearly feels called to this new position as an opportunity to serve Christ in a new way."
Collins discovered the gene for cystic fibrosis and led an international effort to map the entire human genome. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Science for his efforts and has advised three U.S. presidents.
BioLogos emerged from his 2006 book, "The Language of God," in which he recounted his journey from atheism to Christianity. The initiative began as a faith and science forum and soon became an international apologetics organization, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
A BioLogos press release stated that Torjesen was selected for her "exceptional leadership experience, vision for the future, and unwavering commitment to BioLogos’ mission: ‘To explore God’s Word and God’s World to inspire authentic faith for today.’"
She has worked for more than 20 years in the scientific field while remaining true to her Christian beliefs. Her previous role was senior director of Network and Collaboration Research at FHI 360, a global nonprofit organization.
"I am humbled and thrilled to join the BioLogos leadership team," said Torjesen. "I have turned to BioLogos resources for years to help integrate faith and science in my life.
"We are at a pivotal time in history with the exponential growth of science and technology and our enduring need for Christ. I am eager to engage deeply with the BioLogos mission and help shape it over the next decade to address these challenges and advance the Kingdom of God."
Dwight Baker, chair of the BioLogos Board of Directors, said Torjesen’s appointment comes at a critical time as Christians explore questions of faith and science.
"The BioLogos community will be richly blessed by the appointment of Dr. Kristine Torjesen as our new leader, and this event is the answer to many earnest prayers and hopes," said Baker.
"The relevance of the BioLogos vision and the urgency of our mission has never been greater, and we look forward to expanding our outreach to wherever it is most needed."
