Sir Alec Jeffreys of the University of Leicester, along with a team of his colleagues, established a means of creating a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) fingerprint. This method allows for the identification of a human from their DNA material. Since no two people share the same DNA, except identical twins, DNA fingerprinting has become an important tool in forensic science, paternity issues, and immigration cases. DNA fingerprinting has proven useful in the detection of hereditary disease, and in the area of environmental studies.

Born in Oxford, England, in 1950, to Joan and Sidney Victor Jeffreys, Alec began his interest in scientific study at the early age of seven when his father purchased him a microscope and chemistry set. His aptitude for scientific study further increased in school where he enjoyed the subjects of chemistry and biology, which led him to focus his future studies in the area of biochemistry. While...