James Dewey Watson - Part IV

June 14, 2010

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In 1988, Watson's achievement and success led to his appointment as the Head of the Human Genome Project at the National Institute of Health, but after less than two years he resigned in protest over policy differences in the operation of this massive project.

He continues to speak out on various issues concerning scientific research and is a strong presence concerning federal policies in supporting research.

Most of Watson's professional life has been spent as a professor, research administrator, and public policy spokesman for research. More than any other location in Watson's professional life, Cold Spring Harbor has been the most congenial in developing his abilities as a scientific catalyst for others. His works there had primarily been to facilitate and encourage the research of other scientists.

On October 25, 2007, Watson retired at the age of 79 from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory "after nearly 40 years of distinguished service."

In addition to sharing the Nobel Prize, Universities and governments around the world have honored James Watson with honorary degrees and decorations, including one from the University of Chicago, which was awarded in 1961, when Watson was still in his early thirties. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.

While at Harvard University, Watson also participated in political activities. Along with "12 Faculty members of the department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" including one other Nobel Prize winner, were the leaders of a resolution for "the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces' from Vietnam."

In 1975, on the "thirtieth anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima," Watson along with "over 2000 scientists and engineers" spoke out against nuclear proliferation to President Ford in part because of the "lack of a proven method for the ultimate disposal of radioactive waste" and because ". The writers of the declaration see the proliferation of nuclear plants as a major threat to American liberties and international safety because they say safeguard procedures are inadequate to prevent terrorist theft of commercial reactor-produced plutonium."

Since he was a precocious student who obtained at the age of 22 his Ph. D. at &#&Indiana University&#&, this remarkable scientist has become one of the most important researchers in the field of genetics.

Watson is a vehement man who has never avoided controversy. On the other hand his scientific brilliance is attested to by Crick, Delbruck, Luria and many others. The world will always be grateful to his excellent works.