As British Science Week drew to a close, we were thrilled to welcome back journalist, author and alumna, Jessica Mills Davies (Cribb’s 2000), to share the true story of science’s hidden heroine behind the discovery of DNA’s double helix, Rosalind Franklin.
Jessica delivered the final Alleyn’s Monday Evening Talk (MET Talk) in the new All Studios Immersion Hub, telling the fascinating about the story of the scandal behind ‘the dastardly trio’ of James Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, who took the glory for Rosalind Franklin’s pioneering work – a story which inspired Jessica’s debut novel, Rosalind, which was published in February 2024 and was listed among The Times' best new historical fiction that month.
As well as telling an audience of pupils, staff and parents about the science behind Rosalind Franklin’s work, she also shared her drive for telling the story – her love of the politics, drama and controversy – something which also motivates her in her journalism career, covering the energy transition in London.
Jessica also shared the invaluable life lessons she has learnt from Rosalind Franklin’s story as well as her own career and experiences:
Pupils took the opportunity to ask Jessica engaging questions from, “was there anything in particular that inspired you?” In response, Jessica shared her longstanding interest in gender politics, first sparked at university and later reinforced by a stark statistic in 2017 that only 25% of front-page headlines were written by women.
Other questions included “what was your biggest struggle writing the book?” - learning a very different craft and style from writing in journalism – something she is incredibly grateful for peer feedback for.
And “how long did the process of writing the book take?” Her answer – six months to do a first draft but about five years in total to become a book you can pick off the shelf and read.
A huge thank you to Jessica for returning to Alleyn’s. It is always a pleasure to welcome alumni back and your former teachers love catching up too (Jessica caught up with her former Philosophy teacher, Mr Geldeard, during her visit! - pictured above).
And thank you for a talk filled with inspiration, history, and hard-hitting truths - one that left pupils and staff alike with plenty to think about!
The Alleyn's Schools Group
We are delighted to announce the opening of Alleyn’s Regent’s Park and Alleyn’s Hampstead, from September 2025. These will be the first schools to join the Alleyn’s Schools Group. Learn more here.
Last updated on 10 03 2025 at 09:06
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