Nobel Prize-winning American scientist James Watson, one of the co-discoverers of the structure of DNA, has died aged 97. In one of the greatest breakthroughs of the 20th Century, he identified the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953 alongside British scientist Francis Crick, setting the stage for rapid advances in molecular biology.
But Watson's reputation and standing were badly hurt by his comments on race and sex. In a TV programme, he made claims about genes causing a difference in average IQ between black and white people. His death was confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he worked and researched for decades, before having to resign as its chancellor over those comments.
Watson shared the Nobel in 1962 with Maurice Wilkins and Francis Crick for the DNA's double helix structure discovery. We have discovered the secret of life, they said at the time. By the early 2000s, he had been largely ostracised by the scientific community over his comments on race and gender.
In 2007, Watson stirred further controversy with remarks implying racial disparities in intelligence, leading to his resignation as chancellor. He was stripped of several honorary titles by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory after additional racially charged statements. His contributions recognized the hidden complexities within DNA structure, yet this was overshadowed by his controversial views on societal matters. Watson's legacy reflects the dualities of great scientific achievement alongside painful societal implications.
But Watson's reputation and standing were badly hurt by his comments on race and sex. In a TV programme, he made claims about genes causing a difference in average IQ between black and white people. His death was confirmed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he worked and researched for decades, before having to resign as its chancellor over those comments.
Watson shared the Nobel in 1962 with Maurice Wilkins and Francis Crick for the DNA's double helix structure discovery. We have discovered the secret of life, they said at the time. By the early 2000s, he had been largely ostracised by the scientific community over his comments on race and gender.
In 2007, Watson stirred further controversy with remarks implying racial disparities in intelligence, leading to his resignation as chancellor. He was stripped of several honorary titles by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory after additional racially charged statements. His contributions recognized the hidden complexities within DNA structure, yet this was overshadowed by his controversial views on societal matters. Watson's legacy reflects the dualities of great scientific achievement alongside painful societal implications.
