James Watson DNA discovery
Renowned scientist James D. Watson, who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at age 97. His death was confirmed by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and it was reported that he passed away on November 6 2025 after a brief illness.
Watson was born on April 6 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. He rose to international prominence when, together with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, he unveiled the double-helical structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in 1953. For this discovery they received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962.
Watson’s contribution revolutionised the life sciences by illuminating how genetic information is stored and replicated in living organisms. Beyond the discovery, he steered major research institutions and helped foster the early efforts toward mapping the human genome.
However, his legacy is complex. In later years Watson made statements about race and intelligence that sparked international condemnation. For example, in 2007 he publicly asserted that there were average differences in IQ between black and white people, attributing them to genetics. These remarks led to his being stripped of honorary roles and titles at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and diminished his standing within much of the scientific community.
Watson’s life thus embodied both extraordinary scientific achievement and serious controversy. He leaves behind the deep impact of his work on genetics and molecular biology, while also serving as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with scientific authority and the ethical weight of public statements.
