Chemist · 1920 – 1958
Rosalind Franklin
Produced the X-ray diffraction images — notably "Photo 51" — that revealed the helical structure of DNA, and conducted pioneering research on the molecular structures of coal, viruses and nucleic acids.
Greatest Achievements
- Captured 'Photo 51', key evidence for the DNA double helix.
- Conducted pioneering X-ray crystallography across multiple fields.
Major Accomplishments
- Captured 'Photo 51', key evidence for the DNA double helix.
- Conducted pioneering X-ray crystallography across multiple fields.
Discoveries
- Produced the X-ray diffraction images that revealed DNA's helical structure.
- Advanced understanding of the molecular structure of viruses and coal.
Impact Analysis
Franklin's crystallography was essential to one of the greatest discoveries of modern science — the structure of DNA — and her story has become emblematic of the overlooked contributions of women in science.
Historical influence score: 85/100