Celebrating six decades of research in the Adrian Building and 40 Years of Genetic Fingerprinting – Public Event, October 11th

To mark the forthcoming closure of the Adrian Building, the former Department of Genetics, Genomics and Cancer Sciences (GGCS) is hosting a public event on Saturday, October 11th, in Lecture Theatre 2 of the Sir Bob Burgess Building, Welford Road.  

Over the past six decades the Adrian has been home to the departments of Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, and Genetics, and has played a central role in many significant scientific developments, including the development of genetic fingerprinting by Sir Alec Jeffreys. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the publication of Sir Alec’s pioneering research.

Speakers who worked directly with Sir Alec, as well as past and present representatives from all four departments will offer insights into both the history and ongoing work connected to this iconic site.

Also featured at the celebration event will be Professor Turi King, who led the DNA analysis that identified the remains of Richard III - another major project based in the Adrian Building. She will close with a talk inspired by her BBC2 series, DNA Family Secrets, which she co-hosts with Stacey Dooley. The popular programme uses genetic analysis to trace long-lost relatives and reunite family members. 

The event provides an opportunity to reflect on the scientific legacy of the building and the researchers whose work has had a global impact.

Behavioural Genetics Professor Charalambos Kyriacou explains: “The building has an illustrious history – not least because of the amazing people that have worked there throughout the years, including Sir Alec Jeffreys’ seminal work in which he gave us the means to uniquely identify individuals based on their genetic makeup and Professor Turi King who led the genetic and statistical analysis leading to the identification of the remains of King Richard III after his skeleton was found in a carpark in Leicester. 

“This event is our way of commemorating the building with past and present representatives from across the departments who will provide both historical and modern perspectives of the work performed in this iconic space. These ground-breaking discoveries have had such a huge impact on the world in which we live - it’s only fitting that we invite the public to join us for this special event.” 

Professor Turi King added: “I’m so delighted that Professor Kyriacou asked me to be a part of this event. I spent 23 years in the Adrian building - so much so it became a second home. I’m really looking forward to being back, visiting the Department of Genetics and catching up with old friends.”