James Watson is a household name within the scientific community. On Nov. 6, 2025, Watson passed away, leaving a legacy of accomplishments and controversy. Watson is credited with the discovery of the structure of DNA, the double helix, along with Francis Crick. Watson and Crick’s discovery of the double helix is now not just a story of human accomplishment, but also a story that shows the inequalities in science and distribution of equal credit. It is now widely believed that Watson and Crick used Rosalind Franklin’s “Photo 51,” a critical photo of the structure of DNA, without her consent.
Andrew Collins, a chemistry teacher and science department head at Huron Highschool remembers the controversy between Watson, Crick, and Rosalind.
“My dad was a biology professor, so I was familiar with the Franklin controversy as a kid,” Collins said. “Franklin not being credited was always an important example of sexism and inequality in academia, specifically the sciences. I make this a part of my courses to this day. ”
Collins believes that people have become much more aware of equal representation.
“We are much more aware of equality and equity in representation,” Collins said. “Since 2012, more PhDs have been awarded to women than men. The exceptions to this trend are in computer science and engineering. We still have a way to go in these disciplines.”
On the topic of equal credit distribution in the case of Rosalind Franklin, Collins commented on how most acknowledgements of Rosalind’s work are posthumously.
“In modern times, most references to Watson and Crick are associated with the Franklin controversy,” Collins said. “It is a great example of academic hubris and sexism. Unfortunately, most of these acknowledgements are in the posthumous form, as Pauling, Franklin, Watson, and Crick have all passed away. Unfortunately, the awarding of grants and prize money primarily benefited Watson and Crick.”
Collins believes that academia in general has improved due to the impact of the story of Rosalind Franklin. Collins also commented on some current issues that are still relevant today in academia.
“I believe academia in general is more aware of individual contributions.” Collins said. “However, there are still thousands of graduate students who are abused in this regard annually. I know of about 5 controversies associated with credit acknowledgement within the sciences at Michigan. One would hope the lead professors reward the ideas of their graduate students with recommendations and more freedom.”
Despite the faults of academia that are still present to this day, Collins also mentioned some positive movements modern day academia has worked towards.
“In the current academic environment, there is still sexism and gatekeeping.” Collins said. “However, there are many avenues in which students can voice and file complaints. There is also a more open and egalitarian social media structure in which people’s personal experiences can be conveyed to large audiences. Colleges also have written formal policies that address these specific issues.”
The story of Rosalind Franklin highlights many of the faults of academia. Many of these faults are still present to this day. It is necessary for all to recognize such faults so that society can actually address them. Watson was the last of the people credited with the discovery of the double helix to pass away. From here on out, academia should prioritize equality and equity of all.
