Scientists from across the world have gathered in Cambridge today for a conference marking the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA, the breakthrough which many believe to have been the greatest scientific achievement of the twentieth century.

At the University of Cambridge in 1953 James Watson and Francis Crick deduced the structure of DNA in the Medical Research Council unit at the Cavendish Laboratory. In the past 50 years, the double helix has come to symbolise the key to the secrets of life, allowing people to explore the origins and future of humankind. Today's conference is only one of a number of events taking place around the city, from art exhibitions to conferences, to celebrate this landmark in scientific history.

DNA Conference
A DNA 50th anniversary conference has been organised jointly by the University's Cavendish Laboratory, the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. Speakers include Aaron Klug on the discovery of the double helix and John Sulston on the genome. Topics include gene expression, genes and cancer, genes and ageing. Their presentations can be seen on a live webcast.

Double Helix Exhibitions
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is planning to erect the world's biggest DNA double helix model. The model will be open to the public at the Grafton Shopping Centre from 28 April.

An exhibition at the Whipple Museum of the History of Science charts the history of the double helix as a visual image from its first appearances in scientific papers to its status as a cultural icon.

One of the key exhibits in the exhibition is a full-scale replica of the model built by Watson and Crick in 1953. Also on show is an original DNA model built in 1958 by Alexander Barker, Superintendent of the Department of Engineering at Cambridge University and a range of other original and replica models made from various materials, including Lego.

Cambridge Blue Plaque for The Eagle
A plaque on The Eagle pub in Cambridge city centre is to be unveiled to mark the spot where Francis Crick announced that he and James Watson had found the secret of life.

This historical event put the Greene King pub, a regular watering hole for Crick and Watson, on the map. Now the City Council intends to honour both the scientists and their remarkable discovery with a special Cambridge Blue Plaque.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. If you use this content on your site please link back to this page.