James D. Watson

James Dewey Watson (born April 6, 1928) is one of the discoverers of the structure of the DNA molecule. Born in Chicago, he has been fascinated by birds since he was a child due to the influence of his father. At the age of 12, he starred on the Quiz Kids, a popular radio show that challenged precocious youngsters to answer difficult questions. Thanks to the liberal policy of Robert Hutchins, he enrolled at the age of 15 at the University of Chicago. After reading Erwin Schrodinger's book What Is Life? in 1946, he changed his direction from ornithology to genetics. Watson earned a B.Sc. in Zoology in 1947.

Genome Project

In 1988, Watson's achievement and success led to his appointment as the Head of the Human Genome Project at the National Institutes of Health, a position he held until 1992. Watson left the Genome Project after conflicts with the new NIH Director, Bernardine Healy. Watson was opposed to Healy's attempts to commercialize genes by granting patents on genes and ownership rights based on the identification of gene sequences. Watson left due to the legal technicality of it not being acceptable for the head of the Genome Project to at the same time have a job like the one Watson still held at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Related Topics:
1988 - Human Genome Project - National Institutes of Health - 1992

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Like his late colleague, Francis Crick, Watson is an outspoken atheist, known for his frank opinions on politics, religion, and the role of science in society. He has been considered to hold a number of controversial views.

Related Topics:
Francis Crick - Atheist

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He is for instance a strong proponent of genetically modified crops, holding that the benefits far outweigh any plausible environmental dangers, and that many of the arguments against GM crops are unscientific or irrational. His views on these matters are covered in some depth in his book DNA: The Secret of Life (2003), particularly in chapter 6.

Related Topics:
Genetically modified crops - 2003

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He has also repeatedly said in public lectures "that if the gene (for homosexuality) were discovered and a woman decided not to give birth to a child that may have a tendency to become homosexual, she should be able to abort the fetus." http://www.warroom.com/fadinggene.htm

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In 1994, Watson gave up his position of director and became president of the CSHL for ten years. Currently, Watson gives public speeches and serves as chancellor of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Cold Spring Harbor, New York.

Related Topics:
1994 - Cold Spring Harbor, New York

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