The chemist and crystallographer made pioneering
discoveries, including determining the structure of insulin in 1969 after 35
years of work.
Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin (1910–1994) was a pioneering
chemist and crystallographer, renowned for her groundbreaking discoveries in
the molecular structures of penicillin, vitamin B12, and insulin. Despite her
monumental achievements, she remains less celebrated than her contemporaries,
such as Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin. Hodgkin’s work and legacy, however,
stand as a testament to her brilliance, perseverance, and commitment to science
and humanity.
In 1964, Hodgkin became the first and only British woman to
win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, an honor recognizing her revolutionary
contributions to X-ray crystallography. This method, which she helped refine,
allowed scientists to visualize the structures of complex molecules, paving the
way for advances in medicine and drug development. Notably, her work on
insulin, completed in 1969 after 35 years of effort, was a scientific milestone
with profound implications for diabetes treatment.
Hodgkin’s achievements were not limited to the laboratory. A
tireless advocate for international cooperation, she championed peace and
disarmament as president of the Pugwash Conferences for 12 years. Her
dedication to science was matched by her commitment to social causes, including
promoting women’s rights and supporting underfunded researchers globally.
Born in Cairo and educated at Oxford, Hodgkin displayed an
early passion for science, setting up her own laboratory as a child. Despite
facing gender biases in a male-dominated field, she forged a remarkable career,
often selecting and mentoring female researchers. Among her students was
Margaret Roberts, later known as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Hodgkin’s life was marked by resilience. She endured severe
rheumatoid arthritis for much of her career, yet continued her research
undeterred. Her determination and focus were immortalized in a portrait by
artist Maggi Hambling, depicting her as deeply absorbed in her work, her hands
twisted but undiminished in capability.
Though she avoided the spotlight, Hodgkin’s contributions
were profound. She received numerous honors, including the Order of Merit, and
her work continues to influence science and medicine today. Dorothy Crowfoot
Hodgkin’s life serves as an enduring example of intellect, perseverance, and
dedication to the greater good.
