Maurice Wilkins
Early Life and Education
Maurice Hugh Frederick Wilkins was born on December 15, 1916, in Pongaroa, New Zealand. His family moved to Birmingham, England, when he was six years old. Wilkins attended King Edward's School in Birmingham and later went on to study physics at St John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated with a first-class degree in 1938. He continued his education at the University of Birmingham, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1940 under the supervision of John Randall. His early research focused on the luminescence of solids and the development of radar.
World War II Contributions
During World War II, Wilkins contributed to the war effort by working on the improvement of radar technology. He was part of a team that developed the cathode-ray tube for radar displays, which played a crucial role in the detection of enemy aircraft. This work was conducted at the Telecommunications Research Establishment in Malvern, Worcestershire.
Post-War Research and DNA
After the war, Wilkins joined the Medical Research Council (MRC) Biophysics Unit at King's College London in 1946. Under the leadership of John Randall, the unit focused on the structure of biological molecules. Wilkins initially worked on the structure of proteins and viruses using X-ray diffraction techniques. However, his most significant contribution came from his work on the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
In 1950, Wilkins began using X-ray diffraction to study DNA fibers. His early diffraction images suggested that DNA had a regular, repeating structure. These images were crucial in the eventual discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. Wilkins' colleague, Rosalind Franklin, produced even clearer X-ray diffraction images of DNA, which provided further evidence for the helical structure.
Collaboration with Watson and Crick
Wilkins shared Franklin's X-ray diffraction images with James Watson and Francis Crick at the University of Cambridge. This collaboration was instrumental in Watson and Crick's development of their double helix model of DNA, which they published in 1953. Although Franklin's contributions were significant, she was not included in the Nobel Prize awarded in 1962 to Watson, Crick, and Wilkins for their discovery of the DNA structure.
Later Career and Research
Following the discovery of the DNA structure, Wilkins continued his research at King's College London. He focused on the physical properties of DNA and its role in genetic replication and mutation. Wilkins also investigated the structure of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and other nucleic acids. His work contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic information storage and transfer.
In addition to his research, Wilkins was an advocate for the peaceful use of scientific discoveries. He was a member of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, which aimed to reduce the threat of armed conflict and seek solutions to global security issues.
Awards and Honors
Maurice Wilkins received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1959. He was also awarded the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1960 and the Copley Medal in 1960. Wilkins was knighted in 1969 for his contributions to science.
Personal Life and Legacy
Wilkins married twice and had five children. He was known for his modesty and dedication to scientific research. Wilkins' contributions to the discovery of the DNA structure have had a profound impact on the fields of genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology. His work laid the foundation for numerous scientific advancements, including the Human Genome Project and the development of genetic engineering techniques.
Wilkins passed away on October 5, 2004, in London, England. His legacy continues to be celebrated in the scientific community, and his contributions to the understanding of the molecular basis of life remain invaluable.