25th July 1920

Born on 25 July 1920, Rosalind Franklin was a pioneering British chemist and X-ray crystallographer whose groundbreaking work was fundamental to uncovering the structural foundations of life. 

Her remarkably precise X-ray diffraction images, most notably "Photo 51," provided the essential data that revealed the double-helix structure of DNA. Beyond this monumental contribution to genetics, Franklin conducted vital, pioneering research into the microstructures of coal and graphite, as well as the complex structures of plant and animal viruses, including the tobacco mosaic virus and polio. Although her critical contributions to the discovery of DNA were largely overlooked by the Nobel Prize committee during her lifetime, her legacy as an extraordinary, meticulous scientist is globally recognised today.

Honouring Franklin’s dedication to empirical discovery serves as an inspiring reminder of the profound impact of women in STEM and the enduring importance of scientific integrity and perseverance.