****** MEDIA ADVISORY ******

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine M. McGrath
561-297-1168, kmcgrath@fau.edu

FAU to Host Nobel Prize Winner James D. Watson
Father of the Double Helical Structure for DNA

BOCA RATON, FL (February 24, 2005) - Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will present Dr. James D. Watson, father of the double helix for DNA, driving force behind the Human Genome Project and Nobel Prize winner. This event, designated one of FAU's official 40th anniversary events, is part of the College of Science's inaugural Hall of Fame Distinguished Lecture and Awards Ceremony. The lecture will be held on Tuesday, March 1 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. in the University Theater, located in the A&L Building, FAU's Boca Raton campus. The event is free and open to the public.

In 1953, Watson, with Dr. Francis Crick, successfully proposed the double helical structure for DNA, a feat described as "the greatest achievement of science in the 20th century." For this work, Watson, Crick and Dr. Maurice Wilkins, a research colleague, were awarded the Nobel Price in Medicine in 1962.

To view the lecture via webcast, click on FAU's homepage at www.fau.edu and look for the link related to Watson's lecture. Interviews with Dr. Watson may be scheduled for March 1 from 3 - 3:45 p.m. To schedule an interview, contact Kristine McGrath at 561-297-1168. For more information on the event, contact Elfriede Lynch at 561-297-3023.

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