DNA fingerprinting

Blue glowing wire mesh molecular structure and closed-up network on dark background.

Alec Jeffreys and genetic fingerprinting

In 1984, Alec Jeffreys discovered the technique of genetic fingerprinting in a laboratory in the Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester. In 2012 Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys retired after more than 35 years' service to the University. Throughout that time, he not only continued to pursue his research interests but also continued to teach each new cohort of students.

This website, collecting together interviews and information about Sir Alec's life and work, was originally created in 2009 for the 25^th anniversary of his world-changing discovery.

The history of genetic fingerprinting

Professor Jeffreys explains the importance of the short sequences within DNA.

Hotspots and minisatellites

The importance of the short sequences within DNA which can be used to track mutation and recombination, the two ways that DNA is able to vary itself.

Explore more

What Sir Alec did next

An interview concentrating on Professor Jeffreys' current and future work.

Discover current and future work

A century of human genetics

Professor Jeffreys describes the history of the field in which he works, from the discovery of blood groups in 1900 to his own work on the legacy of Chernobyl.

Read through a century of human genetics

Genetic fingerprinting explained

Bullet-point guide to the key facts about DNA, genetic fingerprinting and genetic profiling.

Learn key facts

The science behind genetic fingerprinting

A brief overview of what is involved from a scientific perspective.

Biography of Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys

A short biography of the inventor of DNA fingerprinting.

Chronology of DNA fingerprinting at Leicester

Important dates in the development of DNA fingerprinting from 1977 to the present.

Explore the development of DNA fingerprinting

Honorary Degree oration

Professor Jeffreys was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at the University of Leicester in July 2004.

Find out more about the oration

Useful links

Further online resources, within the University of Leicester and beyond.

See our list of useful links