Francis Harry Compton Crick
- Born:
- June 8, 1916, Northampton, England
- Died:
- July 28, 2004, San Diego, California, USA
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Molecular Biologist, Biophysicist, Neuroscientist
Early Life and Education
- Educated at Northampton Grammar School and Mill Hill School, London.
- Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from University College London in 1937.
- Began doctoral research at UCL but it was interrupted by World War II.
- During World War II, worked for the Admiralty Research Laboratory.
- Received a PhD in Biology from the University of Cambridge in 1954.
Career and Major Achievements
- Joined the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit for Molecular Biology at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge.
- In 1953, with James Watson, proposed the double helix structure of DNA. This discovery is central to modern biology.
- Shared the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with James Watson and Maurice Wilkins for their discoveries concerning the molecular structure of nucleic acids and its significance for information transfer in living material.
- Worked on deciphering the genetic code and the mechanisms of protein synthesis.
- Later in his career, focused on neuroscience, particularly the biological basis of consciousness.
- Held a professorship at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, from 1977 until his death.
Notable Works
- Publications:
- "Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid" (with James Watson, 1953).
- "Of Molecules and Men" (1966).
- "Life Itself: Its Origin and Nature" (1981).
- "What Mad Pursuit: A Personal View of Scientific Discovery" (1988).
- "The Astonishing Hypothesis: The Scientific Search for the Soul" (1994).
Legacy and Impact
Francis Crick's work on the structure of DNA revolutionized biology. His contributions laid the foundation for modern genetics, biotechnology, and many areas of medical research. This brief entry serves as an example of Francis Crick biography summary examples. His later work in neuroscience continued to push the boundaries of scientific understanding.