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In Our Time · September 17, 2026 · 51m

Archive: Rosalind Franklin

Jim Naismith, Judith Howard, Misha Glenny, Patricia Fara
Show Notes

In this archive episode of In Our Time, historian and author Misha Glenny revisits the life and work of Rosalind Franklin, the pioneering scientist whose X-ray crystallography was crucial to the discovery of DNA's double helix, yet who is often overlooked. With guests Patricia Fara, Jim Naismith, and Judith Howard, the discussion covers Franklin's research on coal and viruses, the infamous Photograph 51, and the ongoing debate about recognition for her contributions.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Photograph 51 enabled the double helix discovery
In 1952, Rosalind Franklin's research generated the famous X-ray crystallography image 'Photograph 51,' which was pivotal for Watson and Crick's determination of DNA's structure.
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Franklin's pioneering work extended beyond DNA
Beyond her DNA work, Rosalind Franklin conducted ground-breaking research into the structure of coal and later viruses.
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The under-recognition of Franklin's contributions
Many believe Rosalind Franklin did not receive adequate recognition for her work, particularly as DNA's co-discoverer.
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References

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My Sister Rosalind Franklin — Jenifer Glynn (2012)
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The Man in the Monkeynut Coat: William Astbury and the Forgotten Road to the Double-Helix — Kersten T. Hall (2014)
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Rosalind Franklin: The Dark Lady of DNA — Brenda Maddox (2002)
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Rosalind Franklin and DNA — Anne Sayre (2000)
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The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA — James D. Watson (2010)

Misc

✧Franklin died of ovarian cancer at the age of 37, before the Nobel Prize was awarded in 1962.
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