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

Queer Georgians: A Hidden History of Lovers, Lawbreakers and Homemakers

Wood Quay Venue

This lecture uncovers the queer lives hidden (and not so hidden) across Georgian Britain and Ireland, from devoted lovers and unconventional households to figures who quietly defied the rules of their age. Central to the story are the Ladies of Llangollen (or the Ladies from Kilkenny), whose Irish history offers a vivid way into a world of domesticity, intimacy, friendship, and chosen family. Moving beyond scandal and secrecy, the talk reveals a Georgian past that was far more diverse, daring, and emotionally rich than we are often led to believe. ISL interpretation will be provided. This t

What's on

dlr Streets Busking Festival

Various Locations

Music Around Every Corner: 32 Buskers Take Over Dún Laoghaire Dún Laoghaire is set to come alive on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July as @dlrsummerfest kicks off with a vibrant opening weekend of dlr Streets, bringing live music and street performance to locations across the town. From 12pm to 4pm each day, visitors can enjoy performances from 32 independent and up-and-coming artists, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout Dún Laoghaire. Music and street performances will take place at a number of key locations, including: Myrtle Square Dún Laoghaire Tourist Office

What's on

Little Vikings Summer Workshops at Dublinia

Dublinia

Young explorers are invited to step back in time and discover the world of Viking Dublin in this fun-filled summer workshop designed especially for children. The adventure begins with a guided tour of our Viking Dublin exhibition, where children will uncover fascinating stories about Viking life, culture, and daily activities in medieval Dublin. Following the tour, children will take part in a hands-on archaeological dig, uncovering replica Viking artefacts and learning how archaeologists investigate the past. The workshop concludes with a creative craft session, where each child will de