Rosalind Franklin

Chemist, X-ray Crystallographer

Rosalind Franklin was a pioneering scientist whose X-ray images of DNA were critical to understanding its structure, yet she faced significant gender bias in her field.

Born
July 25, 1920
Died
April 16, 1958
Quotes
9
Rank
#1877

About Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Franklin — Life and Legacy

Rosalind Franklin was a distinguished chemist and X-ray crystallographer whose work was pivotal in the discovery of the DNA double helix. Her meticulous research and groundbreaking X-ray diffraction images provided crucial insights that shaped modern genetics. Franklin famously stated, 'Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated,' reflecting her belief that scientific inquiry should be deeply intertwined with daily experiences. This perspective reveals her commitment to making science accessible and relevant to all. Franklin's quotes often emphasize the importance of curiosity and collaboration in scientific endeavors. She once remarked on the male-dominated nature of her field, which highlights the barriers she faced as a woman in science. Her resilience and dedication to her work challenged the norms of her time, paving the way for future generations of female scientists. Despite her significant contributions, Franklin's legacy was often overshadowed by her male counterparts, leading to ongoing discussions about recognition and equity in science. Today, her quotes and ideas continue to inspire scientists and advocates for gender equality, reminding us of the vital role that diverse perspectives play in advancing knowledge. Franklin's life and work serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the necessity of challenging established norms.

Quote collection

Rosalind Franklin quotes

9 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Rosalind Franklin Chemist, X-ray Crystallographer
Popular

"In my view, all that is necessary for faith is the belief that by doing our best we shall succeed in our aims: the improvement of mankind."

Read quote 375 likes
Rosalind Franklin Chemist, X-ray Crystallographer
Popular

"Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated."

Read quote 361 likes
Rosalind Franklin Chemist, X-ray Crystallographer
Popular

"Science, for me, gives a partial explanation for life. In so far as it goes, it is based on fact, experience and experiment."

Read quote 279 likes
Rosalind Franklin Chemist, X-ray Crystallographer
Popular

"You look at science (or at least talk of it) as some sort of demoralising invention of man, something apart from real life, and which must be cautiously guarded and kept separate from everyday existence. But science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated. Science, for me, gives a partial explanation for life. In so far as it goes, it is based on fact, experience and experiment."

Read quote 248 likes
Rosalind Franklin Chemist, X-ray Crystallographer
Popular

"In my view, all that is necessary for faith is the belief that by doing our best we shall come nearer to success and that success in our aims (the improvement of the lot of mankind, present and future) is worth attaining...I maintain that faith in this world is perfectly possible without faith in another world."

Read quote 146 likes
Rosalind Franklin Chemist, X-ray Crystallographer
Popular

"We wish to discuss a structure for the salt of deoxyribose nucleic acid. D.N.A. This structure has novel features which are of considerable biologic interest."

Read quote 100 likes
Rosalind Franklin Chemist, X-ray Crystallographer
Popular

"I see no reason to believe that a creator of protoplasm or primeval matter, if such there be, has any reason to be interested in our insignificant race in a tiny corner of the universe, and still less in us, as still more insignificant individuals. Again, I see no reason why the belief that we are insignificant or fortuitous should lessen our faith."

Read quote 93 likes
Rosalind Franklin Chemist, X-ray Crystallographer
Popular

"Conclusion: Big helix in several chains, phosphates on outside, phosphate-phosphate inter-helical bonds disrupted by water. Phosphate links available to proteins."

Read quote 74 likes
Rosalind Franklin Chemist, X-ray Crystallographer
Popular

"The results suggest a helical structure which must be very closely packed containing probably 2, 3 or 4 coaxial nucleic acid chains per helical unit and having the phosphate groups near the outside."

Read quote 60 likes