The Irish Role in the Discovery of the Secret of Life

This event has ended

Online, Friday 30th October

As a geneticist, our speaker Mark Lawler has always been fascinated about the research that uncovered the “Secret of Life” as Francis Crick described the discovery of the structure of DNA in, of all places, the Eagle Pub in Cambridge. But Mark’s hero in this seminal discovery was not the cerebral Francis Crick, nor his more brash American colleague James Watson.

In his public lecture as part of the celebrations of the 80th Anniversary of the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies, Mark will focus on the oft forgotten contribution of Rosalind Franklin, the Dark Lady of DNA, who did so much but received so little. But the more he delved into this fascinating and sometimes sad story, the more Mark realised that there was a significant Irish connection, one that involved a number of what might seem at first unlikely players, including Eamon De Valera and Archbishop John Charles McQuaid. Mark will bring you back to a time when Ireland, and, in particular, Dublin, was at the heart of the scientific universe and share with you a story that is exciting, puzzling, challenging, but never dull.


Date:
Friday 30th October
Time:
6.00pm
Price:
Free

You might also like...

What's on

Africa Day at Royal Hospital Kilmainham

Royal Hospital Kilmainham

Africa Day is the annual day that commemorates the foundation of the African Union and celebrates the people and culture of African countries. In Ireland, the day is celebrated with events taking place in towns and cities around the country alongside the flagship Dublin event which takes place on Sunday 17 May, 2026 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Organised in partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Dublin City Council, 15,000 people attended the event in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham last year where they were entertained by over 40 musical acts, dancers an

What's on

Oíche Ólaíochta Báile Átha Cliath – Pint of Science

Anseo

Reáchtálfar an Oíche Ólaíochta trí Ghaeilge. Foghlaim faoi coiméad ag iompar rún, tiochar próitéin bheag ar sláinte na scamhóg, damhsa cuaille, agus tuilleadh! Ní gá a bheith líofa nó cúlra san eolaíocht a bheith agat - fáilte roimh chách! Irish-language event; learn about the secrets comets carry, effects of a tiny protein on lung health, pole dancing, and more! No need for fluency or scientific background - all welcome!

What's on

Pint of Science Festival

Various Locations

Pint of Science brings some of the most brilliant scientists to your local pubs and cafes to discuss their latest research and findings with you. You don't need any prior experience, and this is your chance to meet the people responsible for the future of science (and have a drink with them). The festival runs over a few days in May every year, but we occasionally run events during other months. Pint of Science Ireland will be hosting our 2026 festival on May 18th, 19th and 20th. Topics for the festival include: Beautiful Mind - neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry Atoms to G