Chemist & X-ray Crystallographer

Rosalind Franklin

The scientist who revealed the secret of life.

1920 — 1958

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Photo 51

The X-ray diffraction image that changed everything. A single photograph that revealed DNA's double helix structure and transformed our understanding of life itself.

Groundbreaking discoveries.

Four areas of research that shaped modern science.

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DNA Structure

First to discover and characterise the A and B forms of DNA, providing crucial data for the double helix model.

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Virus Architecture

Determined the structure of tobacco mosaic virus and proved all TMV particles are uniform in length.

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Carbon Science

Pioneered understanding of coal microstructure and coined "graphitising carbon" terminology still used today.

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RNA Location

Discovered that RNA winds along the inner surface of the tobacco mosaic virus hollow structure.

"Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated."
Rosalind Franklin, 1940

A remarkable career.

From Cambridge to Paris to London, a journey of scientific excellence.

1953–58

Senior Scientist

Birkbeck College, London

Led pioneering research on viral structures including TMV and polio virus. Built and led the Agricultural Research Council group, supervising future Nobel laureate Aaron Klug.

1951–53

Research Associate

King's College London

Produced the landmark Photo 51 X-ray diffraction image. Discovered DNA's A and B forms and demonstrated that phosphate groups lie on the molecule's exterior.

1947–50

Postdoctoral Researcher

Laboratoire Central, Paris

Mastered X-ray crystallography under Jacques Mering. Applied techniques to carbon structures, establishing foundational principles in coal and graphite chemistry.

1942–45

Research Officer

British Coal Utilisation Research Association

Studied coal porosity for wartime applications including gas mask production. Research formed the basis of her Cambridge PhD thesis.

1938–41

Natural Sciences

Newnham College, Cambridge

Graduated with honours in Chemistry. Awarded research fellowship and began doctoral studies in physical chemistry.

Technical mastery.

Expertise that pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

X-ray Crystallography X-ray Diffraction Physical Chemistry Patterson Function Analysis Molecular Modelling Carbon Chemistry Structural Virology Microscopy Scientific Photography

An enduring legacy.

Honours and recognitions that ensure her contribution is never forgotten.

2003

Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award

Established for outstanding contribution to any area of natural science, engineering or technology. Includes a silver medal and £30,000 grant.

2004

Rosalind Franklin University

Chicago medical school renamed in her honour, adopting Photo 51 as its official logo.

2000

Franklin-Wilkins Building

King's College London honours both scientists with a building bearing their names.

1997

Asteroid 9241 Rosfranklin

A newly discovered asteroid named in recognition of her scientific achievements.

1992

English Heritage Blue Plaque

Commemorative plaque placed at Drayton Gardens, London, where she lived.