She Invented That A digital museum of women in science

Scientist Exhibit

Rosalind Franklin

Chemistry • Biology & Life Sciences

1920 – 1958 United Kingdom

X-ray diffraction research crucial to understanding DNA structure

Overview Institutions
Rosalind Franklin

Overview

About Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Franklin was an expert in X-ray crystallography whose careful experimental work helped reveal the structure of DNA. At King's College London, she produced exceptionally clear diffraction images and measurements showing that DNA had a helical form. She later conducted influential research on coal, graphite, and viruses. Her precision and interpretation of molecular evidence remain central to the history of structural biology.

Scientific Contribution

Key Discovery

X-ray diffraction evidence for DNA structure

X-ray diffraction work, including Photo 51, that provided crucial evidence for determining DNA's structure.

Structural research on plant viruses

X-ray diffraction research that advanced understanding of plant-virus structure.

Life Timeline

Important Moments

1951

career

Begins DNA research at King's College London

Franklin worked at King's College London using X-ray diffraction to investigate DNA.

1952

discovery

Produces Photo 51 with Raymond Gosling

Franklin and Raymond Gosling produced the celebrated X-ray diffraction image known as Photo 51 in May 1952.

1953

publication

DNA research appears alongside the double-helix model

A paper by Franklin and Gosling appeared in Nature alongside papers announcing the DNA structural model.

1953

career

Moves to Birkbeck College

Franklin left King's College London for Birkbeck, where she developed important research on virus structure.

Places & Networks

Institutions