Celebrating 40 years of DNA fingerprinting

Celebrating 40 years of DNA fingerprinting

9 September 2024

Today (10 September) marks the 40^th anniversary of a ground-breaking discovery that transformed the way criminal investigations were carried out: DNA fingerprinting.

The technique was developed by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys in his University of Leicester laboratory. His 'eureka' moment came at 9:05am on Monday 10 September 1984, when he realised that human DNA could produce unique patterns that could be used to identify individuals and determine familial relationships.

It famously helped to solve a double murder case in 1986, bringing the technique to public attention and revolutionising forensic investigations.

While DNA fingerprinting is widely recognised for its role in criminal justice, it has also been instrumental in solving familial and immigration disputes, wildlife forensics, and the diagnosis and treatment of inherited disorders.

Professor of Genetics, Mark Jobling, who is Co-Director of the University of Leicester's Alec Jeffreys Forensic Genomics Unit, commented on this milestone:

"We are proud to work in the Department where Alec made his world-changing discovery.

"We use the story of DNA fingerprinting and the first cases to inspire our students at all levels about the beauty of fundamental science, and how it can be applied to the benefit of society."

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, added:

"Forty years on, the legacy of Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys' work continues to inspire our students and researchers. DNA fingerprinting has had a far-reaching impact, not only in the field of forensics but also in medicine, ecology and immigration, and has had a profound impact on countless lives.

"We are honoured to be associated with such a significant breakthrough and are committed to carrying on his legacy by fostering innovation in the field of genetics."

You can visit the University's DNA fingerprinting websitewhich collects together interviews and information about Professor Jeffreys' life and work.

Watch this videowhere Professor Jeffreys came out of retirement to mark 35 years since the academic paper on DNA fingerprinting was first published in Nature.