Throughout the 20th century, many scientists have tried to study deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In the early 1950s two scientists, Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, studied DNA using x-rays.

Franklin produced an x-ray photograph that allowed two other researchers, James Watson and Francis Crick to work out the 3D structure of DNA. The structure of DNA was found to be a double helix.

In 1962 Crick and Watson, along with Wilkins, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery. Rosalind Franklin had died four years earlier and her pivotal contribution wasn’t acknowledged until much later.

The pioneering work of Rosalind Franklin has helped pave the way for breakthrough medicines and technologies that have saved lives all over the world.

The theme for this year’s National Science Week is ‘Game Changers and Change Makers’. In the lead-up to National Science Week from 11-19 August BRICKS 4 KIDZ will be highlighting key game changers throughout history who have helped transform our understanding of the world.