Australian scientist Bruce Stillman reflects on the complicated legacy of American biologist James Watson who has died at the age of 97. He co-discovered the double helix structure of the DNA molecule - but his remarks in later life have drawn criticism.
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James Watson - who has died at the age of 97 - is perhaps most famous for winning the Nobel Prize with Francis Crick for discovering the twisted-ladder structure of DNA in 1953, which helped light the long fuse on a revolution in medicine, crime-fighting, genealogy and ethics.
But near the end of his life, he faced condemnation and professional censure for offensive remarks, including saying Black people are less intelligent than white people.
He also faced questions about the contributions of scientist Rosalind Franklin to his DNA discoveries, with some critics suggesting she had not been given due credit. She was unable to defend her record as she died of ovarian cancer in 1958.
Australian scientist Bruce Stillman took over James Watson's lab.
He has spoken to SBS' Rayane Tamer on his long association with the American biologist, and how he is being remembered for both his breakthrough and the controversies that clouded his legacy.
