DNA fingerprint pioneer honoured

The scientist, who effectively invented DNA “fingerprinting”, a vital tool in forensic investigation, has shared the 2005 Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research.

Sir Alec Jeffreys and Sir Edwin Southern – two scientists who helped establish the modern field of molecular genetics – have shared in the award.

The Lasker Awards are widely considered the second most prestigious scientific awards after the Nobel Prize.

Sir Alec pioneered the technique of DNA fingerprinting. While working as a geneticist at the University of Leicester in the UK, he stumbled upon the existence of inheritable, variable segments of repetitive human DNA that could be used as the basis for individual identification.

His discovery has found great use in forensics, as well as becoming vital in transplant biology, establishing family relationships and solving immigration disputes.

Soon after his discovery his technique was quickly put to use to solve a rape and murder case including two schoolgirls in Leicester. Most recently it is Sir Alec’s technique which has been used to identify remains of victims in terrorist attacks in New York, Madrid, London and Bali.

Sir Alec is now supporting a national DNA database and has suggested the creation of a DNA PIN for all with applications in forensic and criminal investigations, immigration, and finance.