A Trailblazer’s Impact Still Resonates
Rosalind Franklin, the pioneering scientist whose work was instrumental in revealing the double helix structure of DNA, continues to inspire new generations nearly seven decades after her untimely death. In October 2025, the Royal Society’s annual Rosalind Franklin Award Lecture—dedicated to promoting women in STEM—sold out in record time, underscoring the enduring power of Franklin’s legacy and the growing movement to address gender inequality in science.
Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 Rosalind Franklin Award
This year’s award was presented to Professor Clare Burrage, a leading theoretical cosmologist. Burrage’s project aims to engage girls of all ages with physics, reflecting Franklin’s own commitment to scientific rigor and equality. The event, titled “Bright futures in a dark universe,” drew widespread attention, with both in-person and online audiences eager to participate in the live Q&A and hear Burrage’s vision for the future of women in science.
Key highlights from the event:
- Tickets for the in-person lecture sold out, signaling high demand for content celebrating women’s achievements in STEM.
- The lecture was livestreamed globally, making Franklin’s story accessible to a wider audience.
- The Royal Society emphasized accessibility and inclusion, echoing Franklin’s own fight for recognition in a male-dominated field.
Franklin’s Story: From Overlooked Genius to Feminist Icon
Franklin’s journey was marked by both scientific brilliance and persistent struggle against gender bias. Her famous “Photo 51” provided the crucial evidence for DNA’s double helix, yet her contributions were largely uncredited during her lifetime. Recent podcasts and educational initiatives, such as Fondation Ipsen’s International Women’s Rights Day episode, have spotlighted Franklin’s story as a lens for understanding ongoing gender disparities in science.
Why Franklin’s legacy matters today:
- She published over 40 scientific papers, including groundbreaking work on DNA, viruses, and coal.
- Her career was distinguished by “extreme clarity and perfection,” according to her mentor Dr. Bernal.
- Franklin’s experience highlights the need for greater recognition and funding for women-led research, issues still relevant in 2025.
New Discoveries and Ongoing Recognition
Recent scholarship continues to reshape our understanding of Franklin’s role in the discovery of DNA’s structure. Newly uncovered documents and historical analyses have revealed the depth of her involvement and the collaborative nature of the breakthrough, challenging earlier narratives that minimized her contributions.
Current initiatives inspired by Franklin:
- Reports and podcasts are sharing best practices for remedying the under-representation of women in science and medicine.
- Universities and scientific societies are naming awards, buildings, and lectures in her honor, ensuring her story remains central to STEM education.
What This Means for the Future
Franklin’s legacy is more than a historical footnote—it’s a rallying cry for equity and excellence in science. The sold-out Royal Society lecture and the surge in educational content about her life signal a growing commitment to recognizing and supporting women in STEM. As Professor Burrage and others carry the torch, Franklin’s story continues to inspire action and innovation.
Actionable takeaways:
- Support initiatives that promote women in science, such as scholarships, mentorship programs, and public lectures.
- Advocate for the inclusion of women’s contributions in scientific curricula and media.
- Recognize that the fight for equality in STEM is ongoing—and that Franklin’s story is a powerful catalyst for change.
Sources
1. Rosalind Franklin Award Lecture: Bright futures in a dark universe
2. Dr. Rosalind Franklin
3. IWD 2025: Explore Rosalind Franklin's History - Fondation Ipsen
4. The remarkable life of Rosalind Franklin | Sky HISTORY TV Channel
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11. Celebrating Rosalind Franklin's legacy | Royal Society
12. Rosalind Franklin: The DNA Helix Pioneer - KCAS Bio
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14. Rosalind Elsie Franklin - Nobel Run Stories - Gearing Roles
