Nobel Legacy, Tarnished Reputation: DNA Pioneer James Watson Dies at 97

James Watson, the American scientist who co-discovered DNA’s structure, has died. He was 97 years old. His death was confirmed by his family on November 7, 2025.

The Nobel laureate passed away in East Northport, New York. His groundbreaking work in 1953 unlocked the secret of life’s genetic code.

A Scientific Giant Shadowed by Controversy

Watson shared the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins. Their double-helix model revolutionized biology and medicine. It laid the foundation for modern genetics.

Yet, his later years were defined by severe backlash. In 2007, he made widely condemned remarks about race and intelligence. He suggested genetic differences made Africans less intelligent.

These comments were reported by outlets like the Times of London and Reuters. The scientific community rejected his views as racist and without basis. The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) forced his resignation shortly after.

The Fall from Grace and a Medal Sold

The controversy did not fade. In 2019, a PBS documentary revisited his statements. In response, CSHL took unprecedented action in early 2020.

The laboratory stripped Watson of all honorary titles. He was removed as chancellor emeritus and professor emeritus. CSHL’s director stated his views were “repugnant” and severed all ties.

Financially strained and isolated, Watson sold his Nobel medal in 2014. He auctioned it at Christie’s for $4.1 million. Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov bought it and later returned it to Watson.

Watson’s death closes a chapter on a genius whose own words ultimately overshadowed his monumental contribution to science.

Dropping this nugget your way

What did James Watson say that caused such outrage?

He suggested intelligence tests showed genetic inferiority in people of African descent. Major scientific institutions universally condemned these claims as racist and scientifically unfounded.

Why did Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory cut ties with him?

The lab revoked his honorary titles in 2020 after a documentary renewed attention on his remarks. Leadership stated his views were reprehensible and incompatible with the lab’s values.

Who bought James Watson’s Nobel medal?

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov purchased the medal for $4.1 million in 2014. He later returned it to Watson, calling the situation unacceptable for a scientist.

What was Watson’s greatest scientific achievement?

He co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953. This work earned him the Nobel Prize and is considered one of the most important biological discoveries of the 20th century.

How old was James Watson when he died?

James Watson was 97 years old at the time of his death. He was born in Chicago on April 6, 1928.