Stephen Michael Collins

Stephen Michael Collins is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University, where he has been a faculty member since 1981. He has held leadership roles including Director of the Intestinal Diseases Research Unit (1983-2017), Chief of Gastroenterology (1993-2006), and Associate Dean for Research (2006-2017). He currently serves as Director of the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, which he founded.

• Medical training: University College & Westminster Hospital, London
• Specialization: Gastroenterology, Neurogastroenterology

His research focuses on the gut-brain axis, particularly how intestinal microbiota modulates neuroinflammation and behavior in health and disease. His work bridges gastroenterology, immunology, and neuroscience, with over 300 publications. Recent studies investigate microbial phospholipids in visceral hypersensitivity, dietary interventions for IBS, and stress-microbiota interactions.

Scientific honors include:

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
• President of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology

His 15 most recent articles (2014-2025) reveal trends in microbiota-gut-brain axis research, with specific emphasis on lysophospholipid signaling, histamine metabolism, visceral pain mechanisms, and stress-induced microbial translocation. Collaborative work with Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Crohn's Colitis Canada highlights clinical translation.